Daizen Maeda in Celtic goal drought confession as striker sets himself a World Cup target

Daizen Maeda is determined to end his Celtic goal drought and get firing in the Premiership again.

The Japan forward hasn't hit the back of the net for Ange Postecoglou 's team in the league since making his move from Yokohama F. Marinos permanent in the summer. He showed he knows where the back of the net is with eight goals in 22 games in green and white last season but his sole strike this term came against Ross County in the Premier Sports Cup in August.

Maeda 's poor strike-rate since the summer is something he has vowed to change as he looks to secure a spot in the Japan squad for the World Cup in November. He's currently away with his country as they get set to face the USA later today and said: "I haven't scored a goal yet for Celtic in the league this season, but hopefully I can change that soon. Celtic are a very easy team to play for.

"I think I work hard for the team and I like to defend from the front too. I like to be able to say I have helped my teammates at the back as well. I try my best for Celtic to be able to help at both ends of the pitch.

"I am very much looking forward to the World Cup. We are playing some very high-ranked countries and I think my speed will come in handy there because we will break on the counter-attack against them. It will be a great tournament and we are all looking forward to it."

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