In a thrilling start to their Asian Cup campaign, Japan emerged victorious with a 4-2 win over Vietnam, but the match left Celtic fans feeling a little frustrated.

Despite the celebratory mood around Japan’s success, two of Celtic’s key players, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate, were left on the bench throughout the encounter.

Held at Al Thumama Stadium, the Group D opener was a goal-fest, especially in the first half. Japan’s star, Takumi Minamino, was in scintillating form, netting twice to secure a much-needed win for his nation. However, the absence of Maeda and Hatate from the pitch was notably felt by the Celtic fans.

Celtic is now facing the challenge of navigating through their fixtures without these two influential players until Japan’s participation in the tournament ends. The frustration for Celtic fans stems from the possibility that Maeda and Hatate might spend more time on the bench than on the field, raising questions about the impact of their absence on Celtic’s performance in the interim.

Maeda, known for his blistering pace and eye for goal, and Hatate, celebrated for his versatility and technical skills, have been integral to Celtic’s recent success. Their absence, without substantial game time at the Asian Cup would feel like a waste of their talents when they could be back in Glasgow playing.

This situation puts a spotlight on the challenges clubs face during international tournaments. While representing one’s country is a prestigious honour for players, if you’re not getting the game time, it will be frustrating.

The hope is that Maeda and Hatate not only get to showcase their talent on the international stage but also return to Celtic fit and ready to contribute to the team’s aspirations.

As Japan advances in the Asian Cup, all eyes will be on if either gets meaningful game time, with Celtic fans particularly keen to see their stars in action.