Daizen Maeda may have spurned a golden chance to win the Glasgow derby in the dying seconds at Ibrox, but the Japanese forward has found an unexpected ally in Motherwell midfielder – and former Rangers man – Andy Halliday.
The Celtic striker failed to convert a dramatic late opportunity after being sent through by Reo Hatate, opting to go alone rather than square it for Johnny Kenny. His heavy touch allowed Rangers keeper Liam Kelly to smother the chance, sparking criticism from some corners.
However, Halliday came to Maeda’s defence on Clyde 1, pointing out the immense physical demand behind the missed moment. “He still has a lot to do, considering where he picks the ball up from,” Halliday said. “You try and travel back from Japan and then travel 60 yards up the pitch in the 93rd minute!”
Halliday’s comments echo Brendan Rodgers’ post-match take, where he revealed Maeda had only trained once after returning from a week in Japan and was showing signs of fatigue by the time that chance arrived.
Maeda didn’t dwell on the miss for long, though. A few hours later, the 27-year-old cleaned up at Celtic’s Player of the Year awards, taking home a hat-trick of honours.
The tireless attacker was crowned Men’s Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, and also finished as Top Goalscorer for the campaign.
While others might focus on the miss, inside Lennoxtown there’s no mistaking Maeda’s importance and the trophy haul from the club’s annual awards night only underlines that point.
