Pundit Paddy Kenny has claimed it would be ‘absolutely massive’ if Celtic were able to call upon Kyogo Furuhashi against Rangers, Football Insider report, after the Hoops star was spotted in action at Lennoxtown.

The Lowdown: Furuhashi back in training

Furuhashi has been missing since December due to a hamstring injury, however, his Celtic teammates have taken the Premiership by storm following the winter break.

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The Hoops have dropped just two points from a possible 33 in 2022 and are now three points clear of rivals Rangers.

Celtic’s top scorer has recently been spotted in training, and there is hope from those at Lennoxtown that he could return to action at Ibrox on April 3, with two more games against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side to follow.

The Latest: Kenny’s comments

Kenny, talking to Football Insider, believes Celtic are already heading into the upcoming Glasgow Derby clashes as favourites to win all three.

He claimed it would be ‘absolutely massive’ if Furuhashi was able to feature following the international break, describing it as ‘a blow for Rangers’.

“Celtic are probably going into these games as favourites.

“That’s before you get to Furuhashi. If he comes back for those games it’s absolutely massive.

“You are getting your best player back for games that could decide the title.

“We are at the business end of the season so you need your best players available.

“They won’t want to risk him getting injured so they will have to be careful.

“But even if he isn’t fit, the other strikers have been really good.

“It’s a blow for Rangers, for sure, but I’m sure Celtic are just happy to have him back.”

The Verdict: Place on the bench?

Ange Postecoglou could have Furuhashi available next weekend, but as he did with David Turnbull against Ross County, he may decide to include him on the bench instead of from the off.

He learned first-hand with Furuhashi against St Johnstone prior to the winter break that there is always a chance of further hamstring damage if they aren’t cautious.

Therefore, having him on the bench could be a smart decision, as there is still a lot of football to play between now and the end of the season, with the title not decided next weekend.

In other news: ‘Worrying…’ – Sky Sports man claims ‘brilliant’ Celtic ace may now have suffered ‘bone damage’.