The Celtic players who have represented their nations at this year’s World Cup can return from the tournament with their heads held high.
Josip Juranovic, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Daizen Maeda and Aaron Mooy all set the tournament alight with their impressive displays and will, hopefully, return from international duty with an air of confidence that will help to boost our title push.
But there is one player that Hugh Keevins reckons will get special attention.
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Keevins said, “I don’t see any of them [Celtic’s World Cup stars] being ready for the game against Aberdeen which will be Celtic’s first one back after the World Cup break.
“So they will have to be treated with kid gloves for a while. But Celtic have a very good, very lengthy squad of players.
“I think in the case of Daizen, he has really surprised me over there.
“The unbelievable energy that he possesses.
“I think people be looking at him with fresh eyes and say, ‘Who is this guy?’
“So they will come back all the better for the experience.
“All the better for having done well at a World Cup and have not let themselves down at all.”
I’ve always been a fan of Maeda. He is one of those players I admire.
He never leaves anything out on the pitch.
Yes, his final ball can be disappointing at times but his work rate is just phenomenal.
It’s one of the reasons why Ange Postecoglou clearly rates him so highly.
The Japanese striker should take his performances for Japan and build on them for his club.
He is a very talented footballer. You don’t become Japan’s joint top goalscorer for nothing [CelticFC].
So Daizen, let’s see what you’ve got!
I feel I’m a better judge of Celtic players than Kevin’s. Why should I take any of his opinions seriously, probably a guy who thought if Rangers won the UEFA Cup that it would be better than the European Champions in 67.
The Newco, well fk me.
His effort, commitment and work rate cannot be questioned. He gets himself into great positions but then fails to capitalise on his own efforts. All the strikers at Celtic need a sports psychologist ‘cos there is something going off in their heads that inhibits them in the big time like Europe.