Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for match-winner Daizen Maeda, who not only netted in the second half of the game but also scored the winning penalty in the shootout this afternoon.
Maeda, who came out in the second half in top form, managed to capitalise on a mistake from Nicolas Raskin and Leon Balogun to put the Hoops 2-1 up in the 60th minute.
Rodgers said: (Premier Sports), “Running is Maeda’s super strength. He’s an incredible guy and took his penalty really well. You don’t expect it to go all your way but you’ve got to show heart and desire and the boys did that.
“We deserved to win the trophy but you have to go and earn it.”
Maeda was a standout against the Rangers, as he so often is for Celtic.
Interestingly, it wasn’t an error from James Tavernier this time; instead, his ability to press was instrumental in the goal, as he calmly finished past Jack Butland.
The Japanese winger has proven to be an inspired signing since joining in January 2022 from Yokohama F. Marinos.
Time and time again, he steps up against the Rangers, and this afternoon was no different.
With his off-the-ball pressing world-class, he caused the Rangers defenders problems from the beginning of the game until the end of extra time.
Maeda sometimes goes under the radar when it comes to praise, but over the last 12 months, supporters have truly begun to appreciate a player who is simply a one-off.
