Daizen Maeda admits Celtic missed his biggest asset during injury stint as star remains defiant over THAT red card

Daizen Maeda believes his return to the Celtic team will get Japanese pal Kyogo Furuhashi firing again.

The winger is back to full fitness after several weeks out with a knee injury. He started and lasted an hour for Brendan Rodgers’ side in their 2-0 league win yesterday over Livingston at Parkhead. Kyogo, the Premiership’s top scorer last term, got back on the goal trail with the opener just after the restart against Livi.

But it was only his second goal in 12 games after struggling under Brendan Rodgers. Maeda, who was crocked while getting sent off against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, insists HE can help his countryman find consistency in front of goal. The 26-year-old believes his speed on the wing is what Kyogo has been missing during a tough spell for the Hoops.

Celtic have also been without Liel Abada on the other flank and Reo Hatate in midfield to prompt Kyogo up front. Now after finding the net Maeda now expects the striker to rediscover his predatory instincts – and revealed his Japan team-mate’s confidence HASN’T been harmed.

And Maeda said: “Kyogo’s strongest point is when he’s on the blind side of centre-backs. With his quickness and agility, that’s when he’s at his best. But when we’re crossing right now it’s easy for the opposition defenders.

“When the wingers eventually cross, the defenders have had time to get ready for it. So it has been difficult for Kyogo to convert chances and score goals.

“But if I’m playing and can provide the pace, he can beat the defenders quicker than he has been without me in the team. Hopefully I can play, give him assists and he can score more.

“It is not just Kyogo’s fault for not being able to score the goals. It is just that overall somehow the team are