Daizen’s Back – Maeda pictured at Celtic training ahead of Hearts match

The player has been touted for a sensational return to the side by his manager in recent weeks, as initial reports in the aftermath of our match at Ibrox in April suggested his season may have perhaps been over due to a hamstring problem.

Despite this, a mere couple of weeks back rumours appeared online inferring that the Japanese star might not be out for the full Scottish Premiership title run-in and Brendan Rodgers would clarify this at his next media conference. Well, in an update that would put the wind in your sails, Rodgers did duly reveal that Daizen would be back at some point in the post-split fixtures to help his team.

Well that now looks to have taken another massive step forward, all to the benefit and excitement of the Hoops masses, as the man who has crucified James Tavernier consistently was snapped back in training with his teammates this morning.

It’s a welcome bonus to Celtic’s title charge and hopefully Brendan will confirm this afternoon that he’s ready and willing to play his part against a Hearts team that have already beaten us at Celtic Park this season.

Hopefully Daizen is on the bench tomorrow and comes on to get himself warmed up for next Saturday playing outside left against theRangers…