Nine changes not a problem thanks to Celtic’s main man Daizen Maeda

The Celtic Star

·8 febbraio 2025

Nine changes not a problem thanks to Celtic’s main man Daizen Maeda

Under strength, but no problem thanks to Celtic’s main man Daizen Maeda yet again…

Daizen Maeda of Celtic reacts after scoring the opening goal during the Celtic FC v Raith Rovers FC – Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on February 08, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Magnificent Maeda

Celtic marched into the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup after a convincing win against Championship side Raith Rovers.

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Despite fielding a weakened starting line up which included the absence of our first choice goalkeeper and back four, it was a stroll in the park as we put our name in the hat for Mondays draw. Only Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda started from the team that took the field in midweek against Dundee, so that was nine changes as Brendan Rodgers rested legs ahead of the next game.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Nicolas Kuehn during the Scottish Cup match between Celtic FC and Raith Rovers FC at Celtic Park on February 08, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Daizen is the star of the show

The star of the show today was that man Daizen Maeda, who else? Our sensational Japanese striker was the star man on Wednesday when he scored a brace in a thumping victory, and went one better against Raith by taking home the match ball after a brilliantly taken hat-trick.

Daizen is undoubtedly our most important player at the moment, and he showed that yet again with a ruthless display against Barry Robson’s side. It goes without saying that we’ll miss his presence greatly against Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic scores his team’s fifth goal and his hat-trick goal during the Scottish Cup match between Celtic FC and Raith Rovers FC at Celtic Park on February 08, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Luke McCowan also made the most of a rare start by putting in a fine display and topped it off with a goal. Yang also got on the scoresheet after striking home a nice half a volley after a superb ball by Anthony Ralston, who seems to get an assist every time he starts.

At the back young Dane Murray looked assured, although he was rarely tested, and the same could be said of Finnish Keeper Viljami Sinisalo who was making his competitive debut for Celtic.

Luke McCowan of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the Scottish Cup match between Celtic FC and Raith Rovers FC at Celtic Park on February 08, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Injury scare for Paul Bernardo

The only negative was the early withdrawal of Paulo Bernardo who looked to have picked up a slight ankle knock, although Brendan later confirmed that it was more a precaution and is nothing serious. The Portuguese midfielder should be fine for Wednesday.

Daizen Maeda with his children, Soyo and Tensei pre match before scoring 3 against Raith Rovers ⚡️🍀
– sabato 8 febbraio 2025

The game itself was as straightforward, and comfortable as we all hoped for and probably expected, and we can now look forward to the massive test that is Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.

Yang Hyun-Jun of Celtic scores his team’s fourth goal during the Scottish Cup match between Celtic FC and Raith Rovers FC at Celtic Park on February 08, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Jota to start against Bayern Munich

Jota will start, but there will be no Daizen until the second leg. It’s going to be an incredible night at Celtic Park that is for certain. Bet you can’t wait…

This is great. On the day he scored his 50th goal and secured his 3rd consecutive Man Of The Match award, Daizen's kids were also mascots. To quote the great man, 'Celtic are a fairytale club'. 💚
– sabato 8 febbraio 2025