DAIZEN MAEDA has failed to spark this season after his spectacular 33 goals in the previous campaign.
It was revealed that the Japanese international speedster had already cleared his Celtic locker in anticipation of quitting the champions last month.
However, the move collapsed on deadline day when the Hoops couldn’t find an adequate replacement.
The forward has claimed a mere two goals – both headers against Falkirk and Kilmarnock – in 10 games this time around and has been far removed from the confident and threatening player of not so long ago.
WAIT FOR IT…Brendan Rodgers is convinced Daizen Maeda will come back to form.
His participation in Wednesday night’s opening Europa League was curtailed to 45 minutes before he got the hook to be replaced by Kelechi Iheanacho who scored the Hoops’ goal in the 1-1 draw with Red Star Belgrade in the Serbian capital.
As he prepares for tomorrow afternoon’s Premiership encounter against Hibs at Parkhead, Brendan Rodgers admitted he was convinced Maeda will come good again.
The Celtic boss said: “You can’t underestimate how hard it has been for him.
“This is a guy who has given absolutely everything for this football club and sometimes, when you want to give your best, there can be a subconscious thing that can hold you back a little bit.
“But what’s important, and I say the same to any player in this situation, is that you don’t get caught up in the mentality that it’s not fair.
“Because, when you get caught in that, it’s a very dangerous territory and it’s hard to move on from.
“So, you have to really look forward and do it for your team-mates, do it for your family, do it for the supporters, and then eventually you get the confidence back and get back to your normal self.”
ALONE WITH HIS THOUGHTS…Daizen Maeda cuts a lonely figure at Firhill.
Rodgers, speaking to STV, continued: “Daizen has been an incredible player for this club and I’m pretty sure that over the coming weeks he will get back to the form that he has shown.
“I can only talk for my couple of years here, he has been absolutely sensational, so he will get back to that.
“But it is always a challenge, it’s not a lightbulb that you can just switch to flick on and off, this game is about emotions, as well, and it can be challenging for players.
“Even if you are committed to being here for the next four or five years, for example, you can still have dips in your form.”
The Irishman added: “I think with Daizen, that will always be obvious just because of his level of work and the intensity that he plays with.
“But I am very confident that he will get back to that level, because he is a great person who leaves everything out on the field.
“He’s had a little issue around his ankle, as well, which hasn’t helped and he will continue to give absolutely everything.”
