Daizen Maeda has admitted that he had been preparing for a weekend recovery session instead of a Champions League showdown against Bayern Munich, after initially believing he would be suspended for the first leg.

The Japanese forward, who scored Celtic’s crucial goal in the 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park, was originally handed a two-match ban following his red card against Young Boys. However, after Celtic successfully appealed the decision, Maeda was given the green light to play just 48 hours before the match.

Speaking to CeltsAreHere after the game, Maeda revealed how the late call-up disrupted his preparations.

“Before this game, I thought I’m not going to play so I was trying to recover slowly towards the weekend’s game.

However it was good it changed but it was difficult for me to adapt to the circumstances however I got the goal and that’s heping me to recover so it’s good that I got the goals. “

The Japanese international’s pace and relentless work rate were evident throughout the match, with Bayern’s defence struggling to contain him on several occasions. His late glancing header gave the Hoops a lifeline ahead of the daunting trip to the Allianz Arena next week.

When he moved to the central position, Neuer really struggled to deal with his movement.

The adaptation from recovery mode to full-throttle Champions League football may have been challenging, but Maeda’s performance shows why he is so crucial to this Celtic side.

Now, with the tie delicately poised, Celtic will need Maeda’s energy and finishing once again if they are to pull off a European upset in Germany.