Daizen Maeda latest, John Kennedy’s exit snub

The Japanese forward has been absent from action since netting a last-minute winner against Motherwell earlier this month which now seems a lifetime ago.

Plagued by lower back and hamstring problems, Maeda has had to sit out while Celtic suffered defeats to Dundee at Dens Park and then Hearts at Tynecastle within a week.

Speaking to the media yesterday afternoon, including The Celtic Star, Maloney had an encouraging update on Maeda’s return.

Maloney said: “Daizen is in the squad and Martin will make the call on him on Wednesday. He’s fit enough to be in the squad, but I don’t know if he’s fit enough to be involved yet. It’s whether he makes the bench or not. We aren’t sure yet.”

On Tuesday, Maloney led Celtic’s training session, and the 42 year-old outlined that four senior players are playing a central role in helping the squad get past this turbulent period.

“We’ve got some experienced guys,” he added. “Kasper is probably the most experienced. But in terms of the lads that probably come through the club, you’ve got Callum, James and Kieran. We relied heavily on them this morning. Alistair Johnston is a really big part of the group. Unfortunately, Cameron had surgery yesterday, I think, or he would have been part of that.”

Maloney added: “So there’s enough experience, enough guys that have won, and enough guys probably that have experienced days like today. Yeah, we relied heavily on them this morning, and we’ll rely heavily on them tomorrow night.

“These moments are really, really difficult. I think as well, when you ask the question about John (Kennedy), he is a big part of what goes on, on a daily basis. He’s a really extremely talented coach, very popular, so he’ll be missed.

But it’s the senior players who will be relied upon and demanded more. I think it’s always the case, and it won’t be any different tomorrow night.”

Celtic FC have yet to acknowledge John Kennedy’s departure from Celtic after nearly three decades of continual service. Increasing ‘A Club Like No Other’ is starting to mean something entirely different from what we thought.

On Daizen, I can’t see him being risked tonight, although he may get a place on the bench in case of emergencies. He’s more likely to be back on Sunday for the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden against theRangers, who travel to Easter Road this evening to face Hibs while leaders Hearts are away to St Mirren.

It looks like being an interesting evening as Martin O’Neill, with Shaun Maloney at his side, returns to the dugout at Celtic for the first time in 20 years as Celtic manager, even on an interim basis. He did manage Ireland here in an international match against Scotland.

Conor Spence

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