Kyogo escapes Celtic bubble as Japan snub allows down time with a difference ahead of hectic schedule

The Hoops striker took advantage of some down time before another hectic period for Brendan Rodgers' side

Kyogo Furuhashi once again missed out on travelling to the other side of the globe with Japan during this international break.

But while Celtic colleagues Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate represent the national team, Brendan Rodgers' star striker has gone on an adventure of his own. He's using the chance of a rare mid-season break to enjoy some downtime with a difference, ahead of what will be another busy schedule for the Scottish champions between the return to action in a top of the table clash with Aberdeen on Saturday and the next scheduled international fixture card in November.

Most footballers jet off to the likes of Ibiza or Dubai to soak up the party atmosphere and the sunshine when they get the chance but Kyogo has been taking in the sights of Iona. The tiny Scottish island found off the southwest coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides only has a population of around 170 permanent residents. The island itself is just 1.5 miles wide by 3 miles long.

The sight of Celtic's star man stunned punters and he posed for snaps with a group of young Hoops fans on his way back from his adventure in Fionnphort, Isle of Mull, reports the Scottish Sun. It was a moment to remember for the youngsters with their dad Robert Allan revealing the 29-year-old also signed a top for the children as he opened up on the surreal chance meeting. He told the same publication: “We don’t get many big-name footballers on the island so It was amazing for the kids to meet Kyogo yesterday, and fantastic that he took the time to take photos and sign a Celtic top for them, especially as he’s their favourite player.”

Rodgers will be desperate to get through the remaining international fixtures unscathed ahead of what could prove a vital three weeks for his side. They face SEVEN games in that period across three major competitions. It all kicks off with Jimmy Thelin's men at Parkhead with both sides boasting 100 per cent records going into the Scottish Premiership showdown.

Celtic also face two Champions League fixtures in the next block with a trip to Atalanta and home clash with RB Leipzig on the schedule. They also have the small matter of facing the Dons at Hampden in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final alongside further league outings against Motherwell, Dundee and Kilmarnock.

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