Brendan Rodgers: Kyogo Furuhashi happy at Celtic despite future speculation and MLS transfer links | Football news

Brendan Rodgers won’t stand in anyone’s way if his heart is set on a move away from Celtic – but he has revealed no unrest in Kyoghu Furuhashi.

Atlanta United have been linked with the Japanese forward during this transfer window, even after Major League Soccer apologized for wrongly reporting that the Georgian club had bought him from the Hoops.

Furuhashi took his Celtic tally to 85 with a brace Saturday’s 4-1 win over Ross County but some observers noted that he lacked his usual enthusiasm during the celebrations.

With 29 years of age and three and a half seasons in Glasgow under his belt, there is speculation that Furuhashi could be ready to explore pastures new.

Rodgers is prepared to deal with the consequences if a big-money offer comes in for any of his players.

“I think the biggest thing is if a player doesn’t want to be here, then leave,” said the Northern Irishman. “And then at that point, then the club has to get the best possible offer. So I never see the point of keeping someone who doesn’t want to be here.

“But I think for us it’s all coincidences. That’s what we prepare for, whether it’s injuries or transfers. You always have to be ready and that’s our message.

“But for him (Kyoga) at the moment, he’s happy, he’s doing well, he’s scoring goals and he’s enjoying his football.

“People are always looking for something – ‘he didn’t celebrate enough or he didn’t do this or he didn’t do that’.

“I see him every day, I see his work, I see his intensity. And maybe he scores so much that he doesn’t have to celebrate crazy all the time. Or maybe it was too cold. But he’s the same guy.

“But there’s always speculation and we’re not afraid of speculation and gossip. So there’s always going to be bits and pieces around him.”

Furuhashi adapted to a wider position at Dingwall which left Adam Idaho as a centre-forward. With Nicolas Kuhn, Luis Palma and potentially Daizen Maeda back in the squad for the Premiership clash against Dundee on Tuesday – live on Sky Sports – one of the center forwards can drop out.

Idah might have been favorites to miss out after going 11 matches without a goal, but Rodgers insists he is pleased with the Irishman’s performances.

I was really pleased with his contribution, Rodgers said. “I don’t need my striker to score 40 goals in a season, I really don’t. If you look at any of my teams, the goals are always spread out. What I need is for the players to be intense, aggressive.

“There were some great moments for him at the weekend. Yes, he didn’t score his goal, but he was there, making a vital contribution, setting up the play for us, allowing other players to attack the space. He works really, really hard, Adam.

“I just think it’s one of those, it’s going to fall for him at some point. But if we’re scoring four goals and your striker isn’t scoring, then you’re going to accept it.”

Johnny Kenny replaced Idaho from the bench on his Celtic debut after scoring 25 goals on loan at Shamrock Rovers.

Rodgers will assess whether to keep the 21-year-old Irishman at the club or bring him back on loan for further experience after being impressed by his energy, enthusiasm and work-rate at Dingwall.

“We will continue to monitor him and then that is the next decision. Will he stay and be part of it, or does he still need more playing time on loan?

“But at the moment, I was really pleased. He showed a wonderful enthusiasm for football and work and he was very good. And I see, 25 yards, he is a really, really good finisher.”