CELTIC outcast Yosuke Ideguchi has admitted he feared his career would be OVER if he didn't get out of Parkhead.

The Japan international signed for Celtic along with fellow countrymen Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda in January 2022.

But while the latter two became mainstays in Ange Postecoglou's side, it proved a nightmare switch for Guchi.

After an injury hit spell in Scotland, he returned to Japan with J-League side Avispa Fukuoka on loan in January in a bid to rescue his career.

He left having made just one start in all competitions since his switch to Scottish football last year.

Speaking to Japanese outlet Sportiva, he said: "To tell you the truth, I was scared. At this rate, my soccer career will end.

"I was out for a little longer due to my first injury but I was exposed to Ange Postecoglou’s view of football and I was really attracted to fast-paced soccer.

"I got a lot of inspiration from the boss' guidance, so I faced soccer with a very positive attitude.

"As a result (of injuries) I couldn't get involved in many matches but I didn't waver in my determination to show myself well and compete here.

"To be honest, when I saw how Celtic played in the Scottish league I thought it might be difficult for a player with a style of play like mine to survive.

"But on the contrary, I think there are areas where I could grow by trying to live there.

"Ever since I decided to move abroad for the second time based on my first overseas transfer, I thought, 'It's not going to be that easy.'

"Considering the position, I also felt that I needed to learn how to adapt myself."

Ideguchi admits that he was not the only one finding life in Scotland difficult and revealed his family also struggled.

He admitted that he was left clinging to the hope that his move might work out before reality set in.

He added: “I saw that my wife was even more frustrated than I was, but I turned away from the reality that I was f***** again and clung to hope overseas.

"But you're looking for a place to play yourself and I started thinking about going back to Japan and starting over.”

However, it was when the World Cup came around and Ideguchi wasn't part of the squad that he finally decided he had to make the return to Japanese football.

Watching on as his national teammates made it to the knockout stages of Qatar 2022, the 26-year old admitted he was JEALOUS of the experience his international peers were having, while he was forced to watch on from the sidelines.

It was watching the World Cup that led to Ideguchi knowing he had to go and find regular football again.

He admitted: "The key is jealousy. I was so envious of the Japanese national team players who were playing soccer on that stage, and it made me want to play soccer as soon as possible.

"It also served as an opportunity for me to cut myself off from trying to cling to "overseas" by turning a blind eye to the reality that I couldn't leave at any cost."

Asked about his thoughts of a return to the Scottish Premiership, Ideguchi is not sure what will happen.

The midfielder's contract in Glasgow still has plenty of time left to run, with the player having been signed up until 2026.

He said: "I mean, I'm pretty sure, considering that I still have a few years left on my contract with Celtic, I feel like I was sticking with it.

"I was able to take a positive step (in my career) by just thinking about standing on the pitch and playing. Even if I say it's a new step, it's from the bottom."