Former Celtic player Frank McAvennie believes the fact that Kyogo Furuhashi did not play many minutes during the international break will be a big plus for the Hoops going into the League Cup semi-final this weekend.

The 26-year-old made two substitute appearances in Japan’s 1-0 wins over Vietnam and Oman over the past week, and McAvennie says he should be fresh to face St Johnstone tomorrow:

“I’m certain Kyogo will be well-rested ahead of the weekend. It’s the time difference that will kill you. The club will have ways of dealing with that, he’s not the first player to regularly travel halfway around the world on a regular basis.”

“But him not running himself into the ground for Japan is certainly a boost for us. It means we have his best version available, which is big news.”

With manager Ange Postecoglou having already confirmed that Giorgos Giakoumakis won’t be fit for the game at Hampden Park, it is critical to have Furuhashi available to start.

The Japanese international has been in scintillating form since his arrival from Vissel Kobe for £4.6m in July, scoring 13 goals in just 18 matches for Celtic so far this season.

Furuhashi will be expected to lead the line tomorrow evening, and it will be hoped that he can help fire the Hoops to another League Cup final appearance.