DAIZEN MAEDA went into the Scottish Cup quarter-final against Livingston at Parkhead with a mere five goals to his name this season.
Ironically, one of the total was a memorable solo run and blistering finish against David Martindale’s side in the Premiership in West Lothian back in September.
The visitors were down to 10 men following the bizarre first-half red card for keeper Joe Hart from trigger-happy referee John Beaton and the champions were looking to kill off their eager hosts. Reo Hatate, with a penalty-kick, and Matt O’Riley, with a deft finish, had Brendan Rodgers’ side ahead.
PEEK-A-BOO…Daizen Maeda looks as Livi keeper Michael McGovern tries in vain to keep out his header for Celtic’s second goal in the 4-2 win.
Maeda made certain with a thumping third and the points were heading back to the east end of Glasgow.
The pacy Japanese raider hoisted this term’s goal tally to eight with a superb-hat-trick against luckless Livi yesterday to make sure the holders were in this evening’s semi-final ballot.
Maeda’s three-goal exhibition and the strike from colleague and compatriot Kyogo Furuhashi are worth another look courtesy of those helpful folk at Celtic TV Unique Angle.
Please enjoy!
MAEDA HAT-TRICK RESCUES TOILING HOOPS
