Kyogo breaks cover after Celtic snub as he makes emotional Birmingham City promise – then he’s set a challenge

Emotional Kyogo finally ended his Birmingham City goal drought after opting against a return to Celtic and committing his future to the Championship club.

The Japan international scored for the first time since August, just hours after rejecting the chance to head back to Glasgow. Former Celtic boss Martin O’Neill had revealed it was “unlikely” Kyogo would return to Parkhead, a year on from his £8.4 million move to Rennes.

Kyogo’s decision to remain at St Andrew’s paid immediate dividends as he found the net in Birmingham’s dramatic 3–2 FA Cup victory over Cambridge United. Celtic, meanwhile, remain short of striking options and had been linked with a move to re-sign the forward, having struggled to replace the player who scored 85 goals in 165 appearances during his time in Glasgow.

After breaking his scoring duck, a delighted Kyogo addressed the Birmingham supporters. He said: “Hi Blues fans, I’m glad that I scored. I’ll keep trying to help the team. Keep Right On.”

Birmingham boss Chris Davies was full of praise for the striker but challenged him to carry that form into the league, with both of his goals this season coming in cup competitions and his Championship drought stretching to 25 games.

Reflecting on the win, Davies said: “He was really good tonight. The second goal is all about Kyogo. He made it for himself by chasing a lost cause, nicked it, took a big touch out of his feet and finished it really well.

“You could see the reaction from the players, Kyogo himself, the fans and the staff. Everyone was delighted for him and you could tell it meant a lot.”