CELTIC have been given fresh hope that Kyogo could play a part in the derby against Rangers in February.

The fixture was due to take place on January 2 but was shifted back a month as the SPFL brought forward the winter break to follow the Boxing Day fixtures.

It means Celtic will host Rangers for the fierce clash in a Wednesday night fixture in front of the Sky Sports cameras at 7.45pm on February 2.

But the new date threw up fears Kyogo would miss the match through international commitments with Japan in Asian qualifiers for the World Cup.

The Samurai Blues are scheduled to play Saudi Arabia the day before the Glasgow derby meaning Kyogo would likely miss out through international selection.

But Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has admitted he could be forced into selecting domestic only players due to strict Covid rules in Japan.

It would leave Kyogo out of contention and available for the Celtic vs Rangers clash on February 2.

Moriyasu groaned: "I am very worried about the situation for the qualifiers.

"I have no choice but to follow the government directives for the games so I have to wait until nearer the ties to decide on the squad.

"We obviously want to select our strongest team and I hope to find a solution to the matter.

"The sooner the situation is concluded, the better it is for me to prepare."

Tom Rogic is another possible Celtic absentee for the Rangers match with Australia in action against Oman on February 1.

And Ange Postecoglou admitted he'd be without the pair if they're selected.

“If they get called up they will be", said Postecoglou when asked if Kyogo and Rogic could miss the match.

“There is a lot of violin playing around the place, we are not going to be one of them."