Daizen Maeda pictured at Celtic training ahead of Hearts match

Daizen Maeda has been pictured in full Celtic training today at the club’s Lennoxtown Headquarters at the foot of the Campsies.

Daizen Maeda celebrates with teammate and compatriot Tomoki Iwata

The player has been touted for a sensational return to the side by his manager in recent weeks, as initial reports in the aftermath of our match at Ibrox in April suggested his season may have perhaps been over due to a hamstring problem.

Despite this, a mere couple of weeks back rumours appeared online inferring that the Japanese star might not be out for the full Scottish Premiership title run-in and Brendan Rodgers would clarify this at his next media conference. Well, in an update that would put the wind in your sails, Rodgers did duly reveal that Daizen would be back at some point in the post-split fixtures to help his team.

: Daizen Maeda of Celtic looks on from the stands during the Scottish Cup Semi Final match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 20, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Well that now looks to have taken another massive step forward, all to the benefit and excitement of the Hoops masses, as the man who has crucified James Tavernier consistently was snapped back in training with his teammates this morning.

It’s a welcome bonus to Celtic’s title charge and hopefully Brendan will confirm this afternoon that he’s ready and willing to play his part against a Hearts team that have already beaten us at Celtic Park this season.

Hopefully Daizen is on the bench tomorrow and comes on to get himself warmed up for next Saturday playing outside left against theRangers…