Celtic’s Daizen Maeda shines on international duty as Japan defeat North Korea

Celtic are able to enjoy some time off club duty as the international break takes precedence for the next couple of weeks.

Following our victory over St Johnstone last weekend, the Bhoys now sit top of the pile and will feel a renewed belief in their pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title.

Brendan Rodgers has also landed a major injury boost after Reo Hatate came through 45 minutes of a bounce match against St Mirren at Lennoxtown yesterday.

If his recovery work goes to plan, it is expected that the Japan international will have some form of involvement in our away trip to Livingston next Sunday.

Of course, his long-term injury problems prevented him from featuring in the Japan squad in their latest batch of World Cup qualifying matches.

However, his compatriot Daizen Maeda made the trip for the Samurai Blue’s double-header against North Korea, reaping the rewards of his positive Celtic form.

Without further ado, 67 Hail Hail takes a look at how Maeda got on earlier today at the Japan National Stadium.

Celtic winger Daizen Maeda stars for Japan in win vs North Korea

Earlier today, Japan made it three from three in the World Cup 2026 Asian qualifiers, narrowly edging past North Korea courtesy of an early goal from Fortuna Düsseldorf midfielder Ao Tanaka [ESPN].

Maeda played the entire 90 minutes for his national side, earning a Fotmob match rating of 7.6/10 for his industrious performance.

The 26-year-old created one goalscoring opportunity, had a solitary shot on goal and enjoyed four touches in the opposition box; however, his defensive work stood out more, which won’t surprise any Celtic supporter.

According to the statistical outlet, Maeda won ten out of his 14 contested ground duels (71%), coupled with six successful challenges and three ball recoveries, and managed all of this without giving away a single foul.

Few players exceed Maeda’s desire to work tirelessly for his national side, making him a dependable presence for club and country whenever called upon.

Japan now top their World Cup Second Round Group B table with nine points from three matches played [TNT Sports].

Hajime Moriyasu’s men travel to Pyongyang next Tuesday for their reverse fixture against North Korea. Kick-off will commence at 8 a.m. sharp.

‘That’s why’: The real reason Brendan Rodgers didn’t immediately use Gustaf Lagerbielke at Celtic this weekend

Brendan Rodgers’ decision to put Tomoki Iwata in the heart of the Celtic defence on Saturday instead of subbing on Gustaf Lagerbielke caused a real debate amongst the pundits at the weekend.

Cameron Carter-Vickers was taken off when Celtic were 3-0 up against Craig Levein’s side and cruising when Rodgers decided to put on Odin Thiago Holm and move Iwata into the back four.

It was a decision that could prove costly at the end of the season as former Celtic hero, Pat Bonner, suggested that had Lagerbielke been in the back four then St Johnstone would not have scored and therefore negatively impacted the Hoops’ goal difference.

With the title race so tight, goal difference looks like it could come into play and we all know how that has affected title races in the past.

However, Mark Wilson believes he knows why Rodgers decided to leave Laegerbielke on the bench as the former Celtic defender explains the Parkhead gaffer’s reasoning behind his decision.

Wilson said [Superscoreboard], “I think he wanted Holm to go on the pitch and he probably thought that I’m three up now, easy street, Celtic would have loads of the ball and Iwata starting moves from the back.

“That’s what you want.

“He’s clearly miles off it. He probably didn’t deserve it, on merit, to go on. Because that’s what it’s got to be. You’ve got merit playing for the club and that’s the starting eleven.

“But even if you’re not in the starting eleven, then you’ve got to be showing in training that you merit coming off the bench.

“So when you see these guys sitting on the bench and not coming on, they’re sitting on the bench for a reason.

“Now it’s different when you have made a change and you’ve only got one centre half in there against a physical St Johnstone team, you then managed the situation yourself and that’s why Lagerbielke comes in through necessity just to see out the game.”

Needless goals Celtic have conceded in the title race

The Celtic fans will be hoping that the goal conceded to St Johnstone will not come into play in the title race.

But in truth, there have been many occasions where Celtic have conceded where they really shouldn’t have this season. And it’s also cost them points.

Celtic conceded two late goals against Motherwell this season. In the game at Fir Park in September, it thankfully didn’t cost us points as Matt O’Riley’s last-minute strike won the game.

But the goal at Celtic Park in the 1-1 draw proved damaging for Celtic as Joe Hart flapped at a cross which allowed Jonathan Obika to nick one in the 90th minute.

Here are other goals that were preventable that may prove costly for Celtic:

• August 5th: Celtic 4 v 2 Ross County – Cruising at 3-0 and County score in the 60th and 90th minute.
• October 7th: Celtic 3 v 1 Kilmarnock – 2-0 up and Killie score in the 70th minute
• October 22nd: Hearts 1 v 4 Celtic – 3-0 up and Lawrence Shankland scores in 64th minute
• December 6th: Celtic 4 v 1 Hibs – 4-0 up and Christian Doig strikes on the 70th minute
• December 30th: Celtic 2 v 1 Rangers – 2-0 up and allow James Tavernier to score an 88th minute 30-yard free kick
• February 28th: Celtic 7 v Dundee 1 – 7-0 up and Michael Mellon scores on the 84th minute [Transfermarkt]

All goals were conceded late and all goals were completely preventable. Had we not conceded these when we would have been six goals to the good with a one-point lead at the top.

The Celtic fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that the league title won’t come down to goal difference again and be left looking back at these fixtures wondering, ‘What if.’