ANGE POSTECOGLOU has come out in defence of Daizen Maeda after fans have started to criticise the striker’s performances of late.

The Japanese international was one of three signings announced before the January transfer window opened.

The striker scored minuted into his Parkhead debut and looked like he was about to set the league on fire, much like Kyogo.

However, former Yokohama F. Marinos player has struggled to find the back of the net recently, wasting big chances presented to him.

Speaking ahead on the St Mirren clash, Postecoglou said; [Celtic’s YouTube]

‘Daizen’s been with us for, what are we in March? 7 weeks. Reo Hatate has been with us for 7 weeks. Matt O’Riley has been with us for 7 weeks. Ideguchi’s been with us for 7 weeks.

‘If people can show me a player who comes into a place for 7 weeks and becomes the difference or shows the best of himself?

‘The guys who have come in have done a fantastic job. If you look at our form post-Christmas, a big part of the reason we’ve been the in-form team is because the guys who have come in have contributed straight away.

‘We’ve got to make sure we understand that they’re just beginning their careers and the best is ahead of them. From my perspective, I couldn’t be happier with the way all of them have settled in.’

Some people forget that the striker has just played an entire season and represented his country at the Olympics. He will be fatigued.

It’s also hard to disregard the striker’s movement; it’s sensational. His runs constantly catch out the opposition defence, and he finds himself in space. Frustratingly, his teammates have struggled to play a decent ball through to the J-League top scorer.

Ange knows the player inside out; he wouldn’t bring him to Glasgow if he didn’t believe he would make a positive impact.