Yosuke Ideguchi believes he cannot look back at his Celtic spell so far with much regret but that he can admit it hasn't been a success.
The Japanese midfielder arrived with fanfare in January last year alongside fellow J-League stars Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate - both who turned out to be key players for Ange Postecoglou's side. The same cannot be said, however, for Ideguchi who struggled to break in to a competitive Celtic midfield owing to injury issues primarily before the emergence of the likes of Matt O'Riley and Aaron Mooy made a start even more unlikely.
The 26-year-old missed a large chunk of the season and made just one start in the Scottish Cup and admits, despite concerns, that is he fit and ready to go but that his time in Glasgow wasn't the hit he was looking for. Now on a year-long loan to Avispa Fukuoka in his homeland the midfielder is hoping to avenge recent times.
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He told media in Japan: "I am fit, I have been in full training for a long time. I am ready to play in a full game with my new club.
"I'm not going to look back at Celtic with any regrets, but I can't honestly say it was a success. Even when I wasn't playing I made sure I gave everything in training. I believe I improved as a player at Celtic and I am stronger for my time there.
"I still have the ambition to play for Japan. I have suffered disappointment before when I missed the cut for the 2018 World Cup, but I cheered for them like everyone else in Qatar.
"I've had a brilliant reception from everyone at Avispa since I came here on loan and I can't wait to get started in the league.”
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