ANGE POSTECOGLOU has backed striker Kyogo to get back on the goal trail after bringing his recent drought to an end with the final strike in Celtic’s 4-0 League Cup quarter-final stroll against Motherwell.
The Japanese forward had only scored once in his last eight games going into the match at Fir Park, with that strike coming against the same opponents back on October 1st. He then missed a couple of gilt-edged chances on the night and cracked a shot off the bar before his moment finally came late in the game.
Postecoglou admits that Kyogo’s confidence had been dented by his recent poor goal return, but is certain he will now rediscover his ruthless edge in the penalty box.
“He’s like all strikers,” Postecoglou said. “They go a couple of games without scoring and the world collapses in on them.
“You are trying to tell them they haven’t lost any of the ability they have and I’ve still been pleased with his general play.
“He’s been getting in those areas and it’s just a matter of him, like any striker, believing in what we are doing, keep hitting those areas and the goal will come.
“I’m sure he’s happy. He was a bit unlucky. He had a great shot in the first-half and he hit the post last weekend. Those are the fine margins for strikers.
“Probably earlier in the year, they both would have gone in, but the key for me is that I’m still pleased with the way he is playing.
“He is contributing, he’s causing problems for the opposition. I’m pleased for him to get the goal, but it doesn’t change my assessment on how he’s been playing. He’s still been a contributor.
“I think there is a general sort of respect among the boys. We wouldn't have the squad we have.
“I left out a couple of guys tonight, one scored a hat-trick [James Forrest against Hibernian], the other a couple of goals [Giorgos Giakoumakis], but we brought in a couple. Liel (Abada) could have had a hat-trick tonight and Kyogo could have scored a couple.
“I think there is a respect within the group. We all know what we are trying to achieve and we all want to do it together. That means that no-one is more important than anyone else.”
