Daizen Maeda return complicated for Celtic showdown with Rangers after late Japan decision

Celtic have have been given pause for thought ahead of their Premiership crunch clash with Rangers after Daizen Maeda featured for Japan.

The 24-year-old came off the bench for the final 20 minutes during clash with Saudi Arabia for his country.

Manager Ange Postecoglou previously admitted it's an outside shot but refused to rule out the striker staging an unlikely return to his squad.

But that was dependent on how much game time he garnered.

Maeda now faces a gruelling flight home to get himself ready ahead of a contest that could see Celtic leapfrog Rangers and secure first place in the Premiership.

The former Yokohama Marinos star could still yet make the squad that takes but it has been complicated by his game time in World Cup qualifying.

Speaking on Friday, Postecoglou said: “It’s unlikely. On a manager’s salary, I don’t have a private jet that might be able to get them here. A lot of that will depend on whether they have played.

“I expect Tommy will play most definitely because Australia have a big game. Daizen played on Thursday, so a lot will depend on them playing.

“It’s a possibility, but if they have played the night before, even if we can get them here on time, it’s still hard.”