It’s been an eventful year for Daizen Maeda.
Named as Celtic’s Player of the Year at the end of the season, his stock was at an all-time high after an exceptional goal return including four in the Champions League.
There wasn’t much noise around Maeda in the summer, but after the transfer deadline, he made the bombshell revelation that he wanted to leave Celtic during the window.
This called his commitment into question amid an indifferent start to the season form-wise and a few fitness issues.
Reporting to international duty with Japan, the Hoops hero has explained how desperate he was to get back involved having missed their last two matches.
Celtic’s Daizen Maeda on talks with Japan boss
Japan have already sealed their place at next summer’s World Cup.
But there are plenty of places up for grabs in a competitive squad, with friendlies against Ghana and Bolivia coming this week.
READ MORE: What John Hartson was told by Martin O’Neill that makes him expect Celtic spell to continue
Maeda is fully aware that he’ll have to fight for his place, and revealed discussions that he had with Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu about his role in their team.
He told soccermagazine in Japan: “I wasn’t able to play in October, and if I miss this one too, my next activity will be in March, so I really wanted to come to this series. I think I need to play well and show my strengths.
“I only had time to watch the first half [against Brazil], so I thought they had lost, but when I saw the result, they had won, so I thought it was amazing.
“Honestly, I feel like it’s going to be tough for me to be in the starting lineup. But I understand the meaning of being called up like this, so I already know what I’ll do when I come on as a substitute, so I’ll just do that.
“I talked a lot about various things with manager, and we have a good understanding.
“I think what’s needed is to help the team in the defensive department, to go forward when things get tough, or to drop back, but even in those situations, I think they still want me to score goals.
“I hope I can show that side of myself again. I really wanted to come [to this camp].
Maeda scored in Celtic’s last outing against Kilmarnock, operating in an unfamiliar right-wing role due to the form of Sebastian Tounekti and Johnny Kenny.
Celtic players on international duty
Auston Trusty’s return to form has been rewarded with a call-up for the USA, and the defender will be desperate to be involved in a home World Cup next summer. Cameron Carter-Vickers faces a race against time to make the tournament.
Anthony Ralston and Kieran Tierney’s Scotland will go head-to-head with Kasper Schmeichel’s Denmark next week in what could potentially be a one-match shootout for qualification at Hampden.
Kenny was handed an Ireland call-up at the very last minute due to injury issues for Evan Ferguson. The striker has scored four in his last four for the Hoops.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s change of allegiance to DR Congo has been finalised ahead of their crucial play-off semi-final against Cameroon.
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