Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has made a bold decision in his starting 11, with Daizen Maeda returning after making a cameo appearance off the bench last weekend against Hearts.

Initially believed to be out for the season, Maeda sealed an incredible injury turnaround against Steven Naismith’s side.

With the only question for Rodgers ahead of today’s game being Maeda or Nicolas Kuhn, the Irishman has made it clear that the Japanese winger is as close to full fitness as he can be after the previous injury setback.

Maeda’s absence has been felt at times this season, with his start in the reverse fixture at Ibrox highlighting everything he brings to Celtic after a deflected goal just 21 seconds into the game.

Historically, Maeda has played his best football in the Glasgow derby, with his defensive abilities proving crucial in neutralising James Tavernier.

The Celtic winger is likely to play off the left-hand side today, with James Forrest on the right wing, but each will rotate for spells throughout the game in a sign of their flexibility in shifting wings during the match.

Forrest himself has risen to the occasion in Maeda’s absence, with arguably, for the first time this season, Celtic having a starting eleven that the majority of fans could agree on.

This speaks more about the injuries the Hoops have suffered throughout the season than anything else.

For the first time in his Celtic career, it appears that Maeda is fully appreciated for what he brings to the starting 11 rather than criticized for any weaknesses he may have.