ANGE POSTECOGLOU hailed matchwinner Daizen Maeda following his outstanding contribution as a late substitute in the hard-fought 2-1 win over Motherwell last night.
The Japanese frontman was introduced to the action with 10 minutes to go at Fir Park and the champions leading through an early strike from his compatriot Kyogo Furuhashi.
Maeda was only the pitch four minutes when he raced onto a breathtaking long-range pass from his fellow-sub David Turnbull, took a sublime touch and didn’t break his stride as he fired the ball low past the advancing Liam Kelly for the decisive strike.
BY THE LEFT…Daizen Maeda beats Well defender Stephen O’Donnell to fire in the second goal.
CHEERS…Daizen Maeda acknowledges the reception of the Celtic support.
LIFT-OFF…Giorgos Giakoumakis hoists matchwinner Daizen Maeda into the air.
The hosts made life tough for the champions when Ross Tierney acrobatically volleyed a free-kick pass beyond the grasping Joe Hart, but the Hoops saw the game out to make certain they were still seven points ahead before the visit of Ross County on Saturday brings down the curtain on the first half of the campaign.
Postecoglou was delighted with the contribution of his Qatar-bound raider and, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “He works so hard for the team.
“He’s surrounded by other attackers who are different to him.
“He doesn’t get the headlines. But the contribution he makes is immense. I left him out for the last couple of games to freshen him up. He was outstanding again.
“He finished it off. The subs coming on were really important for us.
KYOGO, MAEDA MAKE IT LUCKY THIRTEENTH
