Chris Sutton reckons Brendan Rodgers’ handling of Daizen Maeda’s injury comeback could be a double bluff.
The Celtic hero has raised his suspicions over whether the Japanese forward, 26, really is ready for a return to a few weeks after it was predicted he would miss the rest of the season due to injury, he made his first-team debut.
The analyst has emphasized how crucial it is to prevail in both the physical and mental battles during the championship matchup with the Rangers.
And for that reason, Sutton believes it could just be hearsay from the Hoops gaffer, even though Maeda’s presence could give James Tavernier some restless nights.
“It’s the time of year for mind games, with bluffs and double bluffs to gain some kind of psychological advantage for the run in,” he wrote in his Daily Record column.
“That might be the case with Brendan Rodgers when it comes to Daizen Maeda. One minute his season was over. The next he might be back. Will he have a major role to play in huge games like the Premiership and Scottish Cup derbies? Who knows.
“But what we do know is if Maeda does get back – and back near his usual levels – then it will be a massive boost for Rodgers and Celtic during this pivotal moment in the season. As you can see, some people’s conversation gives the impression that Messi is nearing. I wouldn’t quite go that far because it’s still hard to predict where he will end up.
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“Nevertheless, there is no denying that he is a vital member of the Celtic team and that his absence is felt greatly. With Nicolas Kuhn being a bit of a mixed bag and Yang continuing to blow hot and cold, the club’s other wingers haven’t exactly excelled in his absence.
“You are never sure of what you are going to get from the pair. James Forrest made a huge impression from the bench at Hampden last week and you would think he has a major part to play in the coming weeks. It’s hard to tell though. Rodgers has called Forrest his best wide man this season – but then not played him for weeks.
“I know he’s getting on a bit but he’s 32-year-old – not 52. Forrest is under appreciated somewhat by Celtic fans but if he gets his chance in the run-in, he’s already proved he is a big-game player. All eyes will be on Maeda and that Old Firm game on May 11 though.
“And Celtic supporters reckon James Tavernier will be having sleepless nights about the thought of going up against the Japanese flying machine. That might be a bit much but it’s true the Rangers captain has had his troubles against the wide man.
“He scored the most goals ever for Daizen Maeda in the 3-3 tie last month, and there was another one at Ibrox last season where Tavernier was under pressure and made a mistake.
“Not to mention how difficult it is to cope with his pace and pressing, but more significantly, the possibility of a breakaway behind tends to prevent Tavernier from being overly daring on the other end.
That’s crucial because Celtic has struggled this season with that kind of thing, despite his excellent delivery from wide areas. Furthermore, for the time being, everyone should put the impending derby out of their minds. “Anyone who believes that the title race is finished is deluding themselves.”
