Kyogo Furuhashi admits he hated playing against Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou's teams when he was in Japan - and that's why he signed for him in Scotland.
The Japan international has returned to his homeland for the to face Oman and China in World Cup qualifiers.
The 26-year-old has been a smash hit at Parkhead having has scored seven goals in just eight starts for Celtic.
He admits he is loving life in the Scottish Premiership because he's delighted to work under the Australian gaffer Postecoglou.
Furuhashi said: "I've managed to win the trust of my team mates and the supporters little by little by working hard.
"Remember, I was known more of a midfielder when I joined so I am still learning to play as a forward, but I am really enjoying it.
"When I was in Japan, I didn't like playing against Ange Postecoglou 's teams because all his players worked so hard for him. Of course, I couldn't say that when I was at Vissel Kobe!
"I always thought it would be a lot of fun playing for him and it is. I am very happy playing for a manager like him.
"At Celtic, he tells me my job is to make space on the pitch. I've always believed that I need to work hard and help my team mates by defending from the front. I think since I went to Glasgow, I have actually worked even harder on that side of my game.
"Postecoglou likes to say to us that if we do the hard work on behalf of the team, you will get your rewards at the other end of the pitch and will get chances to score. And that's what has happened to me.
"I wish I was better at tackling, but I try my best to help the team."
And Furuhashi is hoping to transfer his club form into his international team, with Japan in a tricky qualifying group with Australia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam as well as this week's opponents Oman and China.
He said: "We have two really important games this week and I hope I will get my chance to help my country.
"We have a good team and I would love to play in the games."
