Celtic had a special guest in the stands for the visit of Livingston on Wednesday night.
The Japanese ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki dropped in to Glasgow to watch the mighty Celtic produce another late, late show.
Days after Celtic’s win over Dundee in the Scottish Cup, which saw debutant Junior Adamu take the tie into extra time with a stoppage-time equaliser.
This time, it was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain getting in on the act, as he helped Celtic beat Livingston and boost their Premiership title hopes to the delight of the Japanese ambassador.
- READ MORE: 67 Hail Hail fans deliver their man of the match verdict after Celtic’s late win vs Livingston
All three of these Celtic players scored on their debuts
Who scored the best goal?
Hiroshi Suzuki calls Celtic ‘a club like no other’ on Parkhead visit against Livingston
Celtic have a rich history of Japanese stars wearing the famous green and white colours, including two who featured against Livingston.
Daizen Maeda started against Livi, whilst Reo Hatate came off the bench, and Suzuki was sure to give the duo a mention on social media.
The Japanese ambassador posted a picture of himself outside Parkhead, including holding the Celtic flag, with the message ‘truly a club like no other.’
‘Excited to be @CelticFC,’ wrote Suzuki. ‘Go Daizen. Go Reo. Truly “a club like no other” 👍’
What’s next for Hatate and Maeda?
Make no bones about it, Hatate and Maeda are Celtic legends, and they have produced many great moments for the club.
But you sense this could be their final bow, and they might just move on when the transfer window re-opens in the summer.
Hatate has been accused of checking out, and his performances haven’t been up to scratch during the last 18 or so months.
Then you have Maeda, who openly admitted that he wanted to leave last summer.
Either way, it’s time for Celtic to look and find their next Japanese star.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
