BRENDAN RODGERS is “fairly confident” last season’s top scorer Daizen Maeda will still be in his Celtic squad when the transfer window closes in 16 days’ time.
The Japanese speedster rattled in 22 goals in the previous campaign after taking on the burden of replacing compatriot Kyogo Furuhashi who left in a £10million switch to French outfit Rennes in January.
There has been recent speculation surrounding the 27-year-old international raider, but the Hoops gaffer is forging ahead with the frontman very much in his plans.
Rodgers, speaking to BBC Scotland, aid: “There have been discussions and that going on in the background, but I don’t have any updates on it.
FANS’ FAVOURITE…thumb’s up from pacy frontman Daizen Maeda, Celtic top scorer with 22 goals last season.
“I’m fairly confident.
“He’s been here four years and progressed every year and finished off a brilliant season for him.
“I think what you’ll always get from Daizen is 100 per cent.”
Maeda’s commitment to the cause cannot be questioned, but there has been an alarming dip in his goalscoring rate.
The lightning-swift forward has failed to net in his past seven games with his last strike coming in the 5-0 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Johnstone when he claimed a double at Hampden on April 20.
It’s been blanks all the way ever since for Maeda, who still has two years to run on his contract.
