A front two of Maeda and Iheanacho could ignite Celtic’s season

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·6 October 2025

A front two of Maeda and Iheanacho could ignite Celtic’s season

Daizen Maeda still has a huge part to play in this Celtic side especially in a 3-5-2 formation…

Go on admit it, you can’t get that catchy Daizen Maeda tune out of your head after the Japanese striker’s last gasp goal earned us all three points on Sunday afternoon against an impressive Motherwell side.

Daizen has been out of sorts recently, just like the rest of his teammates, and yet again he like the rest of the side didn’t exactly impress with yet another below par performance against the Fir Park side.

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Daizen however seems to be getting more stick than anyone else due to his much public intentions of moving on, and whilst that is perhaps understandable it’s also a bit unfair as whilst he’s not been hitting the heights we know he if fully capable of, he’s still giving one hundred percent each and every time he pulls on that Celtic jersey.

His late effort against Motherwell was his third goal of the campaign, and proves once more the Daizen is still fully capable of contributing to this Celtic cause this season, or at least until the January transfer window when his delayed move should probably go through.

Daizen is certainly not the sort of person to down tools as some supporters have suggested, he still and will continue to give us his all in the remainder of his time at Celtic. He still has a big part to play this season or at the very least until the end of the year.

Yesterday also showed the manager that Daizen should not be played on the right wing and perhaps the solution is to go 3-5-2 to cut out entirely the need for a right winger this side of the Bells. And with Alistair Johnston due back from injury shorty after the international break that makes the decision easier for the manager to make.

A front two pairing of Daizen Maeda and Kelechi Iheanacho may well be something the Celtic support would relish and would allow us to enjoy Daizen while we can.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates scoring a penalty during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025 Photo by Mark Runnacles IMAGO /Shutterstock

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Danny McGrain, David Potter & Willie Fernie – what a combination!

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now, order your copy at Celticstarbooks.com

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain has signed the remaining batch of Celtic in the Eighties so hurry to get your signed book!

Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny PLUS a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last,.

Celtic 3-0 St Mirren, Scottish Premier League, Celtic Park, 15 May 1982.Celtic captain Danny McGrain collects the championship trophy as Roy Aitken looks on. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Please note that postage will only be charged on ONE book.

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now on Celtic Star Books. Click on image above to order.