Martin O’Neill hopeful of injury boost

According to Martin O’Neill, Daizen Maeda appears likely to be in the Celtic side for Sunday’s Glasgow Derby.

The Japanese internationalist has struck form over the last couple of matches after an indifferent spell through the winter.

Away to Hibs he scored the opening goal but left the pitch with his boot off highlighting a foot injury.

Right now Maeda is Celtic’s best striker and winger. If he was to be unavailable for Sunday’s match it would be a massive blow to Celtic’s hopes.

Asked about Maeda O’Neill told Celtic TV:

He’s making good progress. That’s good news. He is definitely doing well. We’ve got a few days yet. He’ll want to play.

There’s no doubt at all about it. He’s had a new lease of life in recent weeks. He’s been terrific for us.

So I think that even at this early stage of the week, I’d be very confident that he would be on the field.

O’Neill gives very little away when it comes to injuries. The exact injury is rarely mentioned, timelines are very rare as he avoids anything that be questioned in future.

At this minute Celtic without Maeda is almost unthinkable.

While others in midfield and attack are rotated to an extent Maeda rarely fails to complete 90 plus minutes.

Over recent weeks Celtic’s injury problems have eased slightly with Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels back involved.

O’NEILL STRUGGLES WITH CELTIC STRIKER OPTIONS

That has added a little bit of quality and competition to the squad, much needed with the failings of January recruitment.

Strikers Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu have added two goal between them in the SPFL. Joel Mvuka hasn’t played a single minute in that competition.

With the season reaching the business end Kelechi Iheanacho has returned to perform 30 minute cameo appearances to great effect.

The former Manchester City striker scored the winning goals away to Dundee and Hibs while turning round the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren.

With three matches in seven days about to decide the destiny of the title O’Neill faces a complex case of squad management.

A number of players, including James Forrest, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Sebastian Tounekti seem more effective coming off the bench.

Getting the Starting XI right while having match winning options on the bench is the blend that the Cekltic boss is searching for.

A fully fit Maeda is essential to those plans and Celtic’s hopes of finishing the season as champions.