Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Daizen Maeda will be in the Celtic squad to face Hearts tomorrow.
It had been feared that the forward would be out of action for the remainder of the season after picking up a tendon knock during the last Glasgow Derby.
Last week rumours emerged that Maeda was on the mend, Rodgers confirmed that news but there was no sign of Maeda in the squad that bet Dundee 2-1 last Sunday at Dens Park.
?? “Scoreboard pressure is always there but it doesn’t count for nothing if you don’t do the job…”
Manager of the month Brendan Rodgers on his award, Maeda’s return, reaction to the VAR errors confirmed in their Hearts loss and putting pressure on Rangers in the title race ?? pic.twitter.com/lNj374YEL8
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 3, 2024
Maeda hasn’t played since completing 90 plus minutes at Ibrox on April 7, the match in which he opened the scoring in 21 seconds when he got the better pf a startled James Tavernier then shocked Jack Butland.
With two more Derby clashes to come this month the return of a specialist in that fixture will be welcomed by the Celtic support but Rodgers isn’t be looking past tomorrow’s match against Hearts.
The hoops have lost their last two matches against Steven Naismith’s side but a home win tomorrow would open up a six point gap at the top of the SPFL Premiership.
All of that will have to be put on hold, the next issue to be addressed will be at 1.45pm tomorrow when the Celtic team is announced- with or without Maeda in the Starting XI.
I do like like your use of the word “startled” as a euphemism for “useless” in reference to Tavpen. Sir Humphrey would be most impressed.
Editor: I try to be diplomatic!
Lol the paraffin lamps looking for compensation for hotel expenses that’s a belter after bumping the queen for all her tax money.
What was wrong with them crashing out in The Copland Hotel that nice 5 star establishment,the board members and players and fans would feel right at home there.