Brendan Rodgers’ message to the Celtic board is clear after addressing Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate’s form

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Brendan Rodgers has named the one thing that will help Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate rediscover their best form.

Celtic’s goalless draw against Rangers saw a number of players produce uninspiring performances at Ibrox, with Brendan Rodgers saying they didn’t play the ‘Celtic way’.

Despite that, the Hoops still remain 10 points clear at the top and there were still impressive performances from the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers.

There were some concerns about the duo of Maeda and Hatate, both of whom have been so effective for the club over the years, but the Celtic manager knows there is only one way to get the best out of them.

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Brendan Rodgers says Maeda and Hatate need ‘competition’

It’s going to be a busy transfer deadline day for the Bhoys and it’s clear that more bodies need to come in.

Rodgers was asked about the transfer activity going into the final day, admitting that new faces will help others to step up their game.

He told BBC Scotland: “Competition is your best coach at times. We need to find that.

“Those boys have been here for four years and felt pressure and every pressure and dealt with pressure for four years. Sometimes you need that stimulus of competition, and that’s clearly what we need.”

Keep the faith in Maeda and Hatate

Both of Maeda and Hatate will be the first to admit that they haven’t been at their best this season.

Between the two of them, the Japan internationals have two goals this season – despite coming off the back of their incredible campaigns last time out.

Their quality is undeniable and they will be back to their best at some point and this international break may be the perfect time for them to recharge their batteries and come back stronger.