Japan's Furuhashi scores hat-trick in Celtic debut in Dundee thrashing

The Japan international scored twice from close range in the first half and went off to applause from a crowd of 24,500 soon after completing his treble midway through the second period at Parkhead. Furuhashi's goals came after he had been on target in his first start during Thursday's Europa League win against Jablonec.

And it wasn't just his play up front that caught the eye. The forward also impressed with his work-rate when winning the ball back and charging down clearances. Tom Rogic, Anthony Ralston and substitute Odsonne Edouard were also on target against the Premiership newcomers as Celtic made it 10 goals in two consecutive wins after new manager Ange Postecoglou had started his tenure without a win in three matches.

"He's a clever guy," Postecoglou told 'BBC Scotland' when asked about the recently-arrived Furuhashi. "It's not a surprise to me. I knew what I was getting bringing him over. He got the goals and could've had a couple more, but his work-rate off the ball was sensational." The Australian added: "That kind of work-rate and work ethic inspires his team-mates and gains the trust of the players around him. There's definitely more to come from him. He's literally had three or four training sessions with us."

Victory was all the sweeter for Celtic fans after reigning champions Rangers, their bitter Glasgow rivals, suffered a shock defeat by Dundee United on Saturday. Furuhashi turned in a low cross to open the scoring in the 20th minute and five minutes later he was on target again from a similar move. Rogic madre it 3-0 in the 49th minute before Furuhashi, following a fine ball from Ryan Christie, completed his treble with a shot into the corner.

Ralston was on target in the 84th minute before Edouard's last-minute penalty completed the scoring after defender Jordan Marshall, already on a booking, was shown a straight red card for pulling back Liel Abada.

 

August 8, 2021