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Charlie Mulgrew shares what he noticed about new Celtic player, off the ball during Thursday win
on Thursday night as the Hoops beat Jablonec away from home in Europa League qualifying. The Japan international started up top and scored a delightful effort. But Charlie Mulgrew was impressed with the striker’s movement, off the ball.
Furuhashi, 26, was handed his debut against Hearts in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat and looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights. He gave away possession a few times as Celtic lost. But on Thursday, he started ahead of Odsonne Edouard and repaid Ange Postecoglou for the Aussie gaffer’s faith in him.
Taking in a neat pass from Liel Abada with a dazzling first touch, he got Celtic’s second in a 4-2 win with a neat finish. The Hoops cruised to a win – though defensively they remain shaky. During Sportscene’s co-commentary, though, Mulgrew praised Furuhashi for his movement off the ball.
“Furuhashi’s movement off the ball is excellent, his runs have been very good,” during the first half of the Europa League clash in the Czech Republic. “His movement is very good, he’s not just got on the end of it yet. His run and touch for the goal was first class.”

Can Furuhashi be the face of Celtic’s new era amid Mulgrew comments?
It was a glimpse of just how good Furuhashi can be. Yes, he missed a sitter and is perhaps slightly lightweight – but technically he is excellent. His movement, as Mulgrew says, is excellent. Furuhashi, a six-time Japan international, can play on either flank, as a striker and as a 10.
He is a brilliant option for Celtic and perhaps a player that might not have got his move to Europe – had he not caught the eye of Postecoglou. Can he be the face of Celtic’s new era? Well, he has the technique and ability to be able to do so. Time will tell if he can turn glimpses into consistent form.
