Brendan Rodgers: Celtic 'symbol' Daizen Maeda will draw serious suitors

Brendan Rodgers acknowledged that Daizen Maeda is likely to attract the attention of bigger clubs after the Japan attacker scored a double in Celtic's 5-1 win over Aberdeen at Parkhead.

Maeda opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a goal from close range before further efforts from returning Portuguese winger Jota and skipper Callum McGregor gave the home side a comfortable 3-0 lead.

The Dons had missed good chances when the game was goalless and they found themselves further behind when Celtic substitute Yang Hyun-Jun added a fourth in the 72nd minute.

And although Dons replacement Shayden Morris reduced the deficit in the last minute of normal time, there was time for Maeda to grab his second and his 25th for the Hoops this season.

Celtic moved 16 points clear of Rangers at the top of the William Hill Premiership and Rodgers conceded the potential interest from other clubs if Maeda – the "symbol" of his side – continues in this run of form.

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Rodgers said: "Yes, I would think he would. I think a number of the players will because of their efficiency and their work. And not only that, they’ve done it at the highest level.

"If you’re doing it at a Champions League level (against Bayern Munich), you’re showing that you can do it at that level and on that stage.

"So, yes, I think if you’re scoring goals like he has, work as hard as he does, then of course that will always bring attention.

"But I also think the team and the structure of the team really promotes his qualities. He’s a