Daizen Maeda proves a deadly hitman for Celtic in rout of Raith Rovers

Stand-in centre-forward Daizen Maeda netted a hat-trick as a much-changed Celtic eased past Raith Rovers in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup.

Yang Hyun-jun produced a goal and two assists and Luke McCowan was also on target as Brendan Rodgers' clinical side eased into the quarter-finals with a 5-0 home win.

Maeda was the star of the show to take his tally to six goals inside a week as he again showed he could help Celtic cope with the exit of Kyogo Furuhashi and their failure to bring in a replacement striker ahead of the transfer deadline.

However, an injury to Paulo Bernardo meant the tie was not a complete success for the holders as they warmed up for Wednesday’s Champions League knockout phase play-off against Bayern Munich.

The Portuguese midfielder walked off before the half-hour mark after suffering a lower-leg problem.

Rodgers made nine changes following the 6-0 midweek win over Dundee with only captain Callum McGregor and Maeda – who is suspended for the first leg against Bayern – keeping their place.

The Celtic rearguard was the most unfamiliar part of the team. Finland goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo made his debut as Kasper Schmeichel rested a back issue and Jeffrey Schlupp made his first start following his loan move from Crystal Palace.

The left-back made some decent forays forward and quickly adapted to the tactical demands by drifting into the centre of the park when required.

Centre-back Dane Murray made his second Celtic start – three-and-a-half years after his first – and Maik Nawrocki later came off the bench to make his second appearance of the season.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Adam Idah and Greg Taylor were handed complete rests ahead of Celtic’s first Champions League knockout stage encounter for 12