Celtic faces attacking concerns as Daizen Maeda limps off after scoring in a 2-1 win over Hibs. His fitness is crucial ahead of the upcoming Old Firm clash against Rangers.
Celtic's attacking concerns have increased ahead of next weekend's Old Firm showdown after Daizen Maeda limped off during the 2-1 win over 10-man Hibs.
Maeda continued his recent rich vein of form by scoring the opener at Easter Road, but sparked fears as he was seen limping without a boot after the full-time whistle as a result of an innocuous challenge in stoppage time.
Having only scored once in 2026 prior to last month, Maeda has rediscovered his best form at a crucial time by contributing six goal involvements in his last three games.
With Rangers next for Martin O'Neill's side, the Hoops manager said he "desperately hoped" the Japan international would be fit for the clash that could decide who sits top of the Scottish Premiership table should Rangers beat Hearts on Monday, live on Sky Sports.
It would be a major blow for the Hoops should Maeda fail to recover, with O'Neill preferring him as a central striker in recent weeks, and former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady stressed his impact when on top form is crucial to Celtic.
"He's been the most important player over the last three games," McGeady said.
Daizen Maeda limped off the field after scoring the opener in Celtic's 2-1 win over Hibs, raising concerns about his fitness.
Maeda has been in excellent form, contributing six goal involvements in his last three games after struggling earlier in the season.
His fitness is crucial as Celtic prepares for the upcoming Old Firm match against Rangers, which could determine the top position in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic's attacking concerns could impact their performance in the crucial match against Rangers, especially if key players like Maeda are unavailable.
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"Hopefully he is fine because it was an innocuous challenge. It looked more of an impact challenge.
"I'm hoping that he's fine. Martin O'Neill will be sweating. I hope he's fit for the final games because the impact he can make for this team when he is firing is invaluable."
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Although they managed to get over the line, the lack of clear-cut chances Celtic created against a side who had 10 men for more than 70 minutes, epitomised their struggles this term.
The Hoops have scored 64 goals in 35 league games this season. Compare that to last term when they had managed 103 by the same stage, a 38-goal increase.
With their goal difference worse than both Hearts and Rangers, it could prove to be a pivotal 'what if?' should that cost them in the title race.
"They're lacking in front of goal because of their quality in the final third," James McFadden said post-match.
"If you're looking at the goals that have come out of the team in the last year, that is evident.
"You can't say they didn't play well in the first half, but it's a lot of the same patterns. There's no penetration.
"There was a chance where Nygren goes through. There's a runner inside between the full-back and centre-back, but by the time he makes the decision, the chance has gone. Last season, he's not looking, he just fires it because he knows that's where the striker needs to be.
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"They don't have that urgency in the final third that they used to have. They don't have the penetration of the runs or the passing. It's all a bit slow and in front of teams.
"Hibs being down to 10 men, they didn't move them nearly enough except for the quality of the first goal. When that happens so quickly, it disrupts defenders and that's why you get space.
"I've never seen so many wide players pass the ball backwards. If your initial thought is to drive forward, the defender needs to back off. If you go back, the defender can always be ready to go and press."
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Martin O'Neill was full of praise for Kelechi Iheanacho after his winning goal for Celtic against Hibernian
It was Kelechi Iheanacho who proved to be the Celtic hero at Easter Road, as he made yet another impact off the bench.
The former Leicester man insists he is ready regardless of if he starts or comes on as a substitute, with manager O'Neill full of praise for him.
"He’s been terrific," O'Neill stated. "Against Dundee he comes on and wins the game for us there. He made a big impact in the Scottish Cup semi-final. To carry it on here, I’m delighted. He’s a proper centre-forward."
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Iheanacho gives Celtic the lead against Hibs
"It looks like it [he is a centre-forward]," McFadden added. "He doesn't bring the intensity to the press to get you up the pitch. To run in behind, to chase the ball.
"He knows his position. He knows where to be. He holds the ball up well. I think he could be better, but you know when he comes in he's going to cause problems.
"Above all else, you know if there's a chance he's probably going to take it. He knows where to be at the right moment. That is a great knack."
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