Billy Dodds admits being ‘scared’ of Celtic player when facing him as Rangers coach

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Billy Dodds got to see Celtic up close and personal last season.

It was only for a short period of time, but Dodds was part of Barry Ferguson’s coaching staff at Rangers, as they watched Celtic clinch title number 55.

Dodds, who has previously managed Inverness Caledonian Thistle, faced up against Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic twice, winning at Parkhead, and then the 1-1 draw at Ibrox.

The Hoops’ squad is littered with some serious talent and eye-catching players, as one man, in particular, stood above them all for the former Rangers striker.

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Billy Dodds admits to being ‘scared’ of Daizen Maeda 

Daizen Maeda was Scotland’s PFA Player of the Year after he went goal crazy post-January, including netting 29 on the domestic scene and 11 assists.

Speaking on Go Radio, Dodds was pretty clear that he was ‘scared’ when facing Celtic’s all-action forward and how you are ‘always wary of him.’

It also needs to be noted that Dodds also faced Maeda when he was the main man at Inverness.

Paul Cooney: “What did you think of Daizen Maeda when you came up against him, just a couple of months ago, at close range?”

Dodds responded: “Scared. He scored the goal at the start of the second half that got Celtic back in it.

“You are always wary of him, even when I was at Inverness, in the cup final as well. You were just thinking, ‘you have got to keep this guy quiet.’

“I agree, that’s the main three (Maeda, McGregor and Carter-Vickers). You build it through your spine.”

Dodds says Celtic ‘still need another striker’

With Jota out for the long-term, Maeda has reverted back to the left flank, including playing that role for the opening day win over St Mirren, and then the three points at Aberdeen over the weekend.

But despite the centre-forward option of the Japan star, and the under-fire Adam Idah, who is yet to get off the mark, Dodds made it clear that another striker is needed at Celtic Park.

The 2025 summer transfer window slams shut on September 1, and Rodgers has made it clear that he wants more firepower added to his squad.

“If you want to play him as a striker, no problem at all,” added Dodds about Maeda.

“He can do both. I still think Celtic need another striker, even though they have Maeda and Idah. I still think that’s the one position where they definitely need to add, especially if they want to do well in the Champions League.”