Emotional Kyogo finally put an end to his Birmingham City goal drought after opting against a Celtic return to battle for his future with the Championship outfit.
The Japan international grabbed his first goal since August just hours after rejecting the opportunity to head back to Glasgow.
Martin O’Neill confirmed it was “unlikely” the forward would be returning – a year on from his £8.4million move from Parkhead to Rennes.
Kyogo’s decision to remain at St Andrew’s paid immediate dividends as he found the net in the Blues’ dramatic 3-2 FA Cup victory over Cambridge.
Celtic are crying out for a striker and had seemingly been prepared to bring Kyogo back, having struggled to land a reliable No.9 since the departure of the man who scored 85 goals in 165 appearances.
However, the smiling Japan star is embracing the challenge ahead and delivered a message to Birmingham supporters after breaking his scoring duck. He said: “Hi Blues fans, I’m glad that I scored. I’ll keep trying to help the team. Keep Right On.”
Blues boss Chris Davies lauded the striker and challenged the former Hoops favourite to build momentum by bringing his 25-game Championship goal drought to an end, with both of his goals so far coming in cup competitions.
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, and then a big touch out of his feet and took his goal well.
“You can see the reaction from all the players, himself, the fans, the staff, everyone. Everyone is chuffed for him and it meant a lot to him.”