RENNES, France (Kyodo) -- Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi made his French top-flight football debut for Rennes in a 1-0 victory at home to Strasbourg on Sunday.

The hosts earned the three points after midfielder Ludovic Blas found the net in the 89th minute at Roazhon Park, moving them out of the relegation zone to 15th place.

The 30-year-old Furuhashi, who transferred from Scottish champions Celtic earlier in the week, was given the start by Rennes' newly appointed head coach Habib Beye and headed to the bench in the 66th minute.

Speaking after the game, the former Scottish Premiership golden boot winner indicated he was eager to open his account in France.

"I want to deliver results, so I have to do a lot more from now," said Furuhashi, who reportedly sought the transfer to play in one of Europe's big five leagues.

"If I keep looking forward and working hard, I think I can send a positive message to everyone at Celtic."

After reaching double figures in goals in each of his four seasons at Celtic, including this term despite his departure midway through, Furuhashi has set a lofty target of also bagging 10 goals in from 14 games in the remaining Ligue 1 campaign.

"I believe I'll catch the eyes of my teammates by getting behind defenders more dynamically," said Furuhashi, who is determined to play in his first World Cup with Japan next year. "Being tested in this league will give me a chance to show a different side to my game."

Back in Scotland, fellow Samurai Blue attacker Daizen Maeda helped Celtic keep their title defense on track with a goal and two assists in a 3-1 win away to Motherwell.

The 27-year-old headed home his sixth goal of the season within the first minute before his low cross set up Adam Idah for a 2-1 lead in the 29th minute, with another ball across the box setting up Jota in second-half stoppage time.

In the Netherlands, Feyenoord forward Ayase Ueda was credited with an assist for Quinten Timber's 67th-minute leveler but they lost 2-1 at Ajax following a late goal from Kenneth Taylor.

NEC Nijmegen's 19-year-old forward Kento Shiogai bagged his first Eredivisie goal during Saturday's 3-3 draw with leaders PSV Eindhoven, capitalizing on a short back pass in the 90th minute. Former Urawa Reds forward Bryan Linssen tapped in off a corner to secure a point for the home team.