If Kyogo Furuhashi’s introduction to the Celtic side was so seamless that it offset entirely the loss of Odsonne Edouard there is evidence to suggest that Ange Postecoglou’s side have been over-reliant on the little Japanese playmaker.

16 goals in 31 appearances is a record not to be sniffed at. The importance of Kyogo to Celtic and to the way that Ange Postecoglou wishes his side to play was such that he was handed a starting jersey for Hampden and the Premier Sports Cup final without really being 100% fit.

Any physical issues were not reflected, of course, in a limelight hogging performance with two goals that lit up the game.

Problem is, though, that when he isn’t there Celtic look unable to dig themselves out of a hole.

In some respects that Postecoglou’s side kept their winning run going was to be applauded on the back of the sheer numbers who have been ruled out, more so given the cluster of injuries that have come in similar positions.

READ MORE: Less is more for Kyogo the killer: Furuhashi compared to Celtic strikers past and present

Jota, James Forrest and Kyogo all sidelined is a significantly weakened hand when there are so many games to be negotiated in a crammed December.

It will hinder Celtic if, as expected, Kyogo misses the game against Rangers because of international commitments that will take priority the day before the February meeting. More pressingly, however, is the Boxing Day game against St Johnstone.

And what it does do is illuminate the fact that while Celtic have numerical numbers in terms of squad depth, they struggle for quality when players are out.

Postecoglou has insisted that he won’t be “getting the violins out” but what he may wish to get out is his contacts book as the transfer window opens next week.

So used to last-minute scampering around as the minutes tick towards midnight on the last day of the window, there is a feeling there could be something different this season with business done early.

The Celtic manager has been fairly open about his willingness to return to the J-League to bring in further reinforcements and the success of Kyogo would surely strengthen his hand when it came to making a case for what he needs.

Daizen Maeda is the player who is expected to arrive imminently with more to follow but more pressing for Celtic is the conundrum they face now ahead of the game against the freefalling Perthshire side.

Postecoglou said there was no ‘resting’ at Paisley on Wednesday night as he stressed he put out the team available to him. How they need a big performance ahead of signing off from what has been a rollercoaster of a year for the club.

Responsibility for claiming all three points has to be shared throughout the team regardless of who starts.