The forward has failed to show his best form this term after a summer exit fell apart late in the transfer window
(Image: SNS Group)
Struggling Daizen Maeda has hinted he could stay at Celtic beyond January after a summer exit collapsed in the final hours of the window.
The 27-year-old was the stand-out performer for the Hoops last season as he scooped numerous player of the year awards after banging in 33 goals in all competitions.
However, he has failed to match that form this season and spoke of his disappointment at missing out on a move away from the club last summer while on international duty.
Brendan Rodgers has shifted the 27-year-old to the right wing in recent weeks in an attempt to return the Japanese star to his best form.
And he rewarded his boss with a last-gasp winner in the dramatic 3-2 win over Motherwell ahead of the international break – which kept the Scottish champions in touching distance of Premiership leaders Hearts.
While Maeda is showing glimpses of his best from again, speculation remains that the forward will leave Glasgow’s east end in the winter window should Celtic find a successor.
But while on international duty, Maeda told press in his homeland: “I decided to stay, so I just have to get on with it.”
Maeda was called up by boss Hajime Moriyasu to represent his country in the Kirin Cup double header against Paraguay and Brazil.
However, he is a major doubt for the first clash against Gustavo Alfaro’s on Friday with reports in Japan suggesting the attacker missed training after feeling “tightness” in his foot.
The man himself attempted to cool fears over a long-term layoff, telling Nikkan Sports: “I felt off today. Since I practiced yesterday too, I decided to sit it out.”
Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.
You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Celtic page, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.
We’re also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Celtic community here.
Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport’s newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunk