Martin O’Neill will deploy Daizen through middle – Sutton

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The Celtic Star

·9 March 2026

Martin O’Neill will deploy Daizen through middle – Sutton

Chris Sutton believes Martin O’Neill will deploy Daizen Maeda through the middle when the Hoops visit Ibrox tomorrow afternoon…

In last weekend’s clash with Danny Rohl’s men, O’Neill opted to start Junior Adamu in the central role, while Tomas Cvancara led the line during Wednesday night’s vital 2-1 victory away to Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

With the striker position still up for debate ahead of the derby, Sutton has revealed his view on who should get the nod in his weekly column for Daily Record.

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The winners of today’s tie will join Falkirk and Dunfermline in the hat alongside either St Mirren or Partick Thistle in next month’s semi-finals.

The former Celtic striker: “Who knows what’s happening with Kelechi Iheanacho as he only can play in Europe it seems, while Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu haven’t showed yet the are the ones who can be trusted to lead the line.”

“That leaves Daizen Maeda again. He made a difference through the middle in the second half last week and I’d expect him to get the call again this time.”

“But he’s really going to have to rediscover his goal scoring touch, otherwise it’s going to be another struggle.”

Benjamin Nygren celebrates. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

Sutton added: “Then there’s how to fit in the great enigma that is Benjamin Nygren, who needs to be on the pitch for his goal threat but it means Celtic can’t control games in midfield.”

“At the back, you’d expect O’Neil to draft in Auston Trusty despite Benjamin Arthur shoring up well at Pittodrie and Dane Murray winning everything in the air at Ibrox in the league game.”

Benjamin Arthur. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

“Tursty just has that experience – but he has to keep it simple rather than thinking he’s a player. What is clear is, if Celtic are to kick on and claim silverware this season, their performance levels have to improve.”

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order