Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate have both been snubbed by their Japanese national team ahead of friendlies against Uruguay and Colombia.

The pair were also overlooked during the World Cup and appear to be far down the pecking order of manager Hajime Moriyasu.

Daizen Maeda has been selected for the squad, despite recently struggling with injury for Ange Postecoglou's Celtic.

Discussing the Celtic players, Moriyasu revealed that the standard of the Scottish Premiership was a concern for him when picking players.

He said: "I've watched all of Celtic's games and seen what they've accomplished and their presence in the team. But there's no bar to clear to be called up; it's a comprehensive decision.

"We think about the level of the league and various other factors when making the decision. For this squad we focused on the squad from Qatar as well as some new players. There will be other call-ups. As I said, we're trying to build strongest team possible ahead of 2026

"In order to do that we're taking a wide view of how to build the team... as I think we all agree, (Hatate and Kyogo) would absolutely be able to contribute to the team, but this time I wanted to try out some different players and that's why they weren't selected."

Ange Postecoglou recently hailed his striker Kyogo insisting he has been at the top of his game since he arrived in Glasgow.

“It’s invaluable to have a player who is willing to do everything in his power to help the team,” he said.

“It’s not just about his goals. Obviously the goals are the most important thing but he just works so hard. He is not floating about out there just waiting for a chance, he is running his socks off to do what other strikers won’t do because he knows it’s the right thing for the team.

“Players at this club are often measured by how they perform on the biggest of stages and he delivers again.

“You look at his size and the players he is up against and he doesn’t shirk anything. He puts the opposition under pressure, he is so clever with his movement, and he wants to be front and centre when the opportunities are there.

“He was outstanding and he has been outstanding and he has been outstanding from the moment he joined this club.”