Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has provided a massive lift to the Hoops by confirming that star forward Daizen Maeda is on track to feature in Sunday’s pivotal clash against Rangers.
The Stakes: A Two-Horse Race for the Crown
The Scottish Premiership title race has shifted dramatically. Following Lawrence Shankland’s 71st-minute winner in a 2-1 comeback for Hearts against Rangers on Monday, the Ibrox side is effectively out of the running. Rangers now sit seven points behind league leaders Hearts with only three games remaining.
While Danny Röhl’s Rangers are playing for pride and a chance to close the gap on second place, the upcoming showdown at Celtic Park has become a de facto title decider for the Hoops. Celtic currently trail Hearts by three points, but with an inferior goal difference, O’Neill knows his side must secure a victory on Sunday to keep their championship hopes in their own hands.
Maeda Fitness Update
Anxiety peaked among the Celtic faithful after Maeda limped out of the 2-1 victory over Hibs last Sunday. The Japanese international, who has been in scintillating form with six goal involvements in his last three matches, appeared to suffer an ankle injury during a late stoppage-time challenge.
However, O’Neill has now moved to calm those fears. Speaking on the forward’s recovery, the manager expressed high levels of optimism.
“He’s making good progress. That’s good news,” O’Neill stated. “He is definitely doing well. We’ve got a few days yet, and he will want to play; there’s no doubt at all about it. I would be very, very confident that he would be on the field.”
Why Maeda Matters
The timing of Maeda’s resurgence has been vital for a Celtic side that has occasionally struggled with urgency in the final third. With Tomas Cvancara sidelined by a groin injury and Junior Adamu out of favor, the options beyond Maeda are thin. Kelechi Iheanacho remains the only other senior alternative, though his fitness has been inconsistent throughout the campaign.
Maeda’s relentless work rate and recent clinical edge have masked some of Celtic’s offensive struggles. Having him available for the visit of their arch-rivals could be the deciding factor in whether the trophy remains within Celtic’s reach or heads toward Edinburgh.
If Hearts defeat Motherwell on Saturday, the pressure on Celtic to deliver a result at Parkhead will be immense. With Maeda likely leading the line, O’Neill at least has his most dangerous weapon ready for battle.