Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew has leapt to the defence of Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate, insisting that neither player has thrown in the towel.
Pointing to their energetic displays against Motherwell last week, Mulgrew argued that the duo still want to fight for the badge.
However, while Maeda and Hatate’s loyalty to the dressing room is commendable, Celtic fans have every right to remain deeply unconvinced ahead of a crucial post-March international break run-in.
The harsh reality is that one positive afternoon against Motherwell does not suddenly erase months of alarming inconsistency from the Japan duo.
Mulgrew himself admitted that Celtic’s defeat to Dundee United on Sunday was a ‘bad, bad day’ for the side, as he insisted on coming to the aid of Maeda and Hatate on Go Radio.
“But I don’t think Maeda has given up,” stated Mulgrew.
“He has shown signs. Him and Hatate have shown signs in recent weeks, especially against Motherwell, that they want to fight for this.”
Do you agree with Charlie Mulgrew, Celtic fans?
Very interesting take!
Celtic fans are right to question Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate
When the standards drop that drastically, supporters are naturally going to question the application and focus of Celtic’s supposed key men.
Furthermore, Mulgrew’s defence accidentally highlighted the exact reason fans are so concerned.
By openly admitting that the current squad lacks necessary depth and overall quality, he underscored exactly why Martin O’Neill desperately needs his established stars to lead by example.
In the final stretch of a relentless Premiership title race, Celtic cannot afford to rely on players who are merely showing occasional ‘signs’ of wanting to compete.
O’Neill requires absolute, unwavering dedication from his starting XI. Until Maeda and Hatate consistently deliver that match-winning intensity week in and week out, the lingering doubts from the Celtic Park faithful will remain entirely justified.
And in truth, time is running out, so the ultimate final answer will be revealed in these final weeks.
“I don’t think Maeda has given up,” said Mulgrew. “Based on Maeda’s performances. I felt Maeda’s performance was brilliant last week against Motherwell.
“I don’t think he has given up. It was a bad, bad day against Dundee United. There is no getting away from it.
“But I don’t think Maeda has given up. He has shown signs. Him and Hatate have shown signs in recent weeks, especially against Motherwell, that they want to fight for this.
“Unfortunately, the squad and the strength in depth is not there. The quality isn’t there. Martin O’Neill is going to need to find a way to get that from them.”
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