Celtic Duo Receive Japan Call-ups

Celtic duo Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda have been called up to play for Japan in the upcoming international break.

Manager Hajime Moriyasu this morning revealed his squad for Games against China and Bahrain:

The Japan National Squad has officially been announced for the third round of Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Let's go #SamuraiBlue! 🇯🇵🏆 pic.twitter.com/g3bhEzMtyT

— J.LEAGUE Official (English) (@J_League_En) August 29, 2024

The pair have started the season well. Maeda scored a brace against Hibernian a few weekends ago while his midfield counterpart has truly stepped up to the plate in 2024/25 so far, getting on the scoresheet in Sunday’s victory in Paisley.

Kyogo Furuhashi has missed out, but perhaps one shouldn’t be surprised given he hasn’t scored yet this campaign.

The Samurai Blue have been in impressive form of late. They have only lost two of their last 19 Games and will want to keep that fine run going.

Winger Maeda has been a regular for his country over the past few years, but his Hoops teaMMAte Hatate has struggled to break into Hajime Moriyasu’s side and get consistent minutes.

Now, it could be time for the 26-year-old to find his feet with his country and kick on.