Team News: Rodgers puts Maeda on the bench

Daizen Maeda is on the bench for Celtic as they face Hearts in the run-in to the SPFL title race. 

The forward hasn’t played since the 3-3 draw at Ibrox on April 7 but seems certain to have a role off the bench today. 

Brendan Rodgers sticks with the starting XI that secured a win over Dundee last Sunday with two goal James Forrest retaining his place on the left wing. 

Callum McGregor has been getting increased minutes in recent weeks but hasn’t completed 90 minutes since the end of February. 

Tomoki Iwata has been deputising for the Celtic skipper and is likely to see some game time today as Rodgers’ side look to open up a six point lead at the top of the SPFL Premiership. 

Kevin Clancy will referee Celtic for the first time since losing at home to Hearts in December, Nick Walsh will be on VAR. 

CELTIC: Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Hatate, O’Riley; Kuhn, Kyogo, Forrest 

SUBS: Bain, Bernardo, Ralston, Yang, Palma, Idah, Nawrocki, Iwata, Maeda