Alistair Johnston reacts to Daizen Maeda announcement at Celtic
Daizen Maeda attracted the attention of Alistair Johnston as a new announcement emerged from Celtic Park.
The Japan international has experienced an incredible campaign under Brendan Rodgers, notching 33 goals and 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, miles ahead of his teammates.
He has helped fire Celtic to yet another Scottish Premiership title, currently sitting 17 points clear of Barry Ferguson’s Rangers at the top of the table, and even impressing in the Champions League.
While the Hoops are certainly not a one-man team, Rodgers can definitely thank his goal-hungry forward for many of the accomplishments achieved this season, and he is being rewarded for his efforts.
Daizen Maeda takes home hat-trick of Celtic awards
Taking to Instagram (4 May), the official Celtic account wrote: “A hat-trick of honours for Daizen Maeda! Top goalscorer, Players’ Player of the Year, Men’s Player of the Year.
“A season of relentless energy and impact, and a clean sweep on awards night.”
Teammate Alistair Johnston liked the announcement, showing support for the goal-hungry forward, who continues to score goals and win awards while leading the line.
Brendan Rodgers needs Champions League achievements to remain at Celtic Park
Football Insider verdict
It was rather simple for the Hoops to claim another Scottish Premiership title, and it remains clear that Rodgers wants to achieve even more with this team next season rather than seek a new challenge.
Having reached the Champions League round of 32, Celtic now have a taste for European football, nearly beating Bayern Munich across two legs, and the manager needs the owners’ backing to achieve more.
| Manager | Games | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win % |
| Brendan Rodgers | 103 | 73 | 15 | 15 | 70.9 |
Ally McCoist exclusively told Football Insider that Rodgers could be tempted by another Celtic exit for a new challenge, though he does not expect that until he gives the Champions League another shot.
However, the 52-year-old has confirmed his ambitions to remain at Celtic Park ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with more success and trophies on the mind, even before the current term has finished.
Keeping stars such as Maeda will be absolutely crucial, and adding more stars to the Celtic squad, such as Kieran Tierney, will be a huge boost before going again after the summer transfer window.