Martin O’Neill has hinted that the busy fixture schedule has played a role in his decision to drop Daizen Maeda to the bench for Celtic’s trip to Aberdeen.
Maeda was one of four changes made to the starting XI as the Hoops played their third game in the space of six days.
Celtic fans have been left torn over the idea of dropping Maeda and while the winger is probably being rested, it could mean so much more.
- READ MORE: Celtic hero Daizen Maeda will be buzzing as IFAB agree to trial Arsene Wenger’s new offside rule
YOUR REACTION TO DAIZEN MAEDA BEING DROPPED 😮
Martin O’Neill explains why Daizen Maeda is starting on the bench
Sebastian Tounekti starts in place of the Japan international, despite stats showing that Tounekti is more effective when used as an impact sub, but the Celtic manager said that rotating his squad was necessary.
He told Celtic TV: “I think that we have taken a number of things into consideration.
“Obviously the way they [the four changes] performed in the second-half and secondly, it’s our third game in six days.
“It’s been a tough old schedule for us.”
Daizen Maeda should use the rest as a wake-up call
For too long now, last season’s player of the year has not been up to scratch.
Frank McAvennie thinks Maeda will leave in the summer, and that may be playing on his mind, but that isn’t fair on his teammates.
What can Celtic do to help Daizen Maeda get back to his best?
On some occasions, Maeda has looked like a passenger in games and the winger can use this opportunity to reset and make an impact going forward for the rest of the season as Celtic go in search of a domestic double.
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