DAIZEN MAEDA is standing by to join Celtic’s matchday squad for the Premiership encounter with Falkirk at Parkhead this evening.
However, stand-in assistant boss Shaun Maloney admits the Japanese frontman may be a no-show after missing the last two games, the back-to-back league defeats at Dundee and Hearts.
The last time Maeda featured was just before the international break when he dived full-length to thump in a stoppage-time headed winner in the 3-2 victory over Motherwell in Glasgow.
ACTION MAN…Daizen Maeda puts pressure on keeper Jack Butland in the goalless derby draw at Ibrox in August.
Since then, last season’s 33-goal marksman has had problems with his lower back and hamstring, but there may be an outside chance of a return against John McGlynn’s side. It will remain a mystery until the squad is announced before kick-off.
Maloney took over in an interim role yesterday alongside Martin O’Neill following the sudden departure from Brendan Rodgers on Monday.
The former Celtic and Scotland midfielder said: “Daizen is in the squad and Martin will make the call on him.
“He’s fit enough to be in the squad, but I don’t know if he’s fit enough to be involved yet. It’s whether he makes the bench or not.
“We aren’t sure yet.”
Maloney took training at Lennoxtown yesterday and named some of the players the club will be hoping answer the rallying call during a troubled and unsettled period for the Hoops who are eight points adrift of Hearts in their pursuit of a fifth successive title.
READY FOR BATTLE…Shaun Maloney names the players Celtic will rely on in the coming days.
The former Wigan and Hibs boss, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “We’ve got some experienced guys. Kasper Schmeichel is probably the most experienced.
“But, in terms of the lads who came through the club, you’ve got Callum McGregor, James Forrest and Kieran Tierney. We relied heavily on them during the session.
“Alistair Johnston is also a really big part of the group. Unfortunately, Cameron Carter-Vickers had surgery yesterday or he would have been part of that.
“So, there’s enough experience, enough guys who have won and enough guys who have probably experienced times like this.”
Maloney added: “These moments are really, really difficult.
“I think as well, when you ask the question about John Kennedy, he was a big part of what went on in a daily basis.
“He’s a really extremely talented coach, very popular, so he’ll be missed.
“But it’s the senior players who will be relied upon and demanded more.
“I think it’s always the case and it won’t be any different on this occasion.”
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