Kyogo Furuhashi fired a hat-trick on his Parkhead debut as the Celtic fans welcomed a new hero to the east end of Glasgow in a romp over Dundee.
The Japanese international was in sizzling form to give Ange Postecoglou a thumping victory in his first home league game in charge of the Hoops as Tom Rogic, Anthony Ralston and Odsonne Edouard also got on the scoresheet.
Celtic blew James McPake’s Taysiders - who had Jordan Marshall sent off late on for the penalty that led to Edouard's goal - away to make it back to back wins and a sizzling display excited the fans who returned to the stadium.
The planned pre-match protest against the board didn’t come to much before kick off but one thing is clear - the fans want to give their new manager all the backing they can.
And that’s not difficult with performances like this and a new hero in the shape of Furuhashi who has all the ingredients to be a real fans favourite.
The Japanese international actually missed glorious chances either side of his early double or he could have had FOUR goals at the break before completing his treble in the second half.
His first came after a neat one-two with Rogic but the former Vissel Kobe man side footed past the post when it looked easier to score.
But there was nothing wasteful about his first goal as Liel Abada delivered the perfect ball from the right for him to score from close range.
And the 26-year-old was grateful for another brilliant delivery for his second, this time Ryan Christie laying it on a plate for him.
Furuhashi was flying at that stage and could have completed his hat-trick with another effort cleared off the line.
Dundee had no answer and resorted to some rough tactics with Jordan Marshall and Shaun Byrne both going in hard on Anthony Ralston and Ryan Christie respectively.
But it got worse after the break as the Taysiders fell further behind and it was an excellent move again.
David Turnbull’s long ball found Christie and he did brilliantly to set up Rogic who supplied a fine finish.
Furuhashi threatened to get a treble all day and he got it with just over 20 minutes left after an exquisite through ball from Christie before he went off to a standing ovation.
But that didn't mean the scoring was over and Ralston netted his second of the season with a brilliant finish which a striker would have been proud of.
And substitute Edouard added a sixth from the spot after clutching the ball, despite Abada being desperate to take the penalty after winning it, and converting after Marshall was sent off.
Here’s three talking points from Parkhead:
Far Eastern Delight
Shunsuke Nakamura comparisons? Taking over Scott Brown’s No. 8 shirt? Expectations to live up to a £4.5 million price tag? Kyogo Furuhashi isn’t fazed by any of it.
The Celtic fans have a real new hero after a blistering start to the Japanese international’s career in Glasgow.
With Odsonne Edouard out of form and on the bench again, Furuhashi shows there is life after the Frenchman.
He took his three goals well and should have had more and he has given the supporters so much to be optimistic about.
Andres Iniesta knows a player when he sees one to it’s maybe no surprise but his ability to work hard defensively as well as find the net is a side of his game the fans really appreciate.
Flyin’ Ryan
On the day it was reported Ryan Christie had opened fresh talks over a new Celtic deal, the playmaker reminded the Hoops how important he is.
It has been claimed, though, that the 26-year-old has still to be made a concrete offer to extend his stay.
Parkhead chiefs shouldn’t be wasting any more time as he is crucial to the way Ange Postecoglou wants to play.
Christie has started the season on fire and claimed with a brilliant performance and three assists which will have no shortage of clubs joining his list of admirers.
Harsh lesson for Dee
James McPake’s men were taught a harsh reminder in the east end of Glasgow of what life in the top flight can be like.
The Dark Blues grabbed a point in their first game back in the Scottish Premiership against St Mirren but this was a different level.
The Hoops were supposed to be vulnerable at the back after their opening day defeat to Hearts but the Taysiders failed to put any pressure of them.
It won’t get much easier either with Hibs next up and they will have to find their feet quickly and get points on the board or it could be a long season.
