Ange explains outstanding role of new bhoy

Ange Postecoglou has delivered a strong defence of Daizen Maeda. 

The striker scored within five minutes on his Celtic debut but since then the goals haven’t flowed in the same manner as Kyogo Furuhashi’s early season arrival. 

A total of four goals has been useful but not dramatic with the race for the SPFL title reaching a dramatic stage where every goal is significant. 

Explaining the role of the striker on loan from Yokohama Marinos, Postecoglou told the Daily Record: 

Daizen is our player. He was outstanding against St Mirren on Wednesday – his defensive work was terrific. People look for different things but I know what I get from Daizen and why I brought him to this club. 

A lot of people don’t see the work he does. The reason why St Mirren got nowhere near our box was because Daizen was constantly pressuring their keeper who is great with his feet. 

Every player has a role within the team. Sometimes you don’t get all the headlines but within the four walls at Celtic Park, he gets his due recognition. 

Maeda looks likely to make way for Giorgos Giakoumakis at Livingston today but will still have a role to play. 

With five from nine substitutes allowed to play the squad strength available to Postecoglou will be critical if Celtic are to win the SPFL title. 

Bringing together virtually a brand new team alongside Callum McGregor has been an epic task for the new Celtic boss to undertake with Maeda’s role valued by the only person that matters- his manager. 

After today Celtic go down to one match a week which will give Postecoglou and his signings more time to work on the training ground as the big prize comes into focus.