Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has revealed he handed Kyogo Furuhashi a recall after over a year in the international wilderness because he's been impressed with his recent displays for Celtic.
The Hoops hitman was recalled for the first time for his country since a game last October for their 4-0 win over Indonesia in Jakarta in a World Cup qualifier.
He remained on the bench, but could play a part in their final qualifier away to China in Xiamen on Tuesday.
Moriyasu said: "The coaching staff and I have been watching a lot of Celtic games and going through the match footage.
"And we concluded that Kyogo Furuhashi deserved to be called up again based on his recent performances there.
"Not only do we want to make the most of his individual strengths, but he gives us a different option in attack.
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"At Celtic, he is playing a role where he can drop deep into midfield to get the ball sometimes and he is still very effective in front of goal.
"I believe he has improved as a player at Celtic although his greatest strength remains his speed, which allows him to make runs behind the defence.
"If we really want to bring out his assets, we have to play a pressing game which would allow him to see a lot of the ball.
"He certainly deserves to be back in our squad."
