Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Sun 26 April 2026 6:57, UK

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Daizen Maeda netted twice in Celtic’s crucial 3-1 victory over Falkirk on Saturday.

With Hearts and Rangers not playing until Saturday, it was vital that the Hoops picked up three points to heap the pressure on their title rivals.

Despite some nervy moments at Celtic Park, two goals from Maeda, sandwiched between a Kiernan Tierney strike was enough to secure the victory.

As a result, Celtic have now moved up to second, level on points with Hearts as they push for the title.

Now, Martin O’Neill should be praised at Celtic for sticking with Maeda through his terrible run of form.

Daizen Maeda dominates Falkirk

For months, Maeda had been awful for Celtic.

The lack of goal contributions, combined with the Hoops’ dwindling form, saw huge calls from the fanbase to drop the Japan international.

Yet, O’Neill stuck with the attacker and is now finally getting his reward.

After ending his goal drought last weekend with a goal and an assist against St Mirren in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup, Maeda netted a vital brace against Falkirk.

Saturday’s match was the definition of a must-win, and Maeda’s goals proved to be the difference on the day.

Important 3 points for Celtic. Daizen Maeda may just be finding his form at the right time👏👏Looked to be at his physical best and the sight of Alastair Johnston back on the pitch a huge boost for the final push…

— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) April 25, 2026

Many other managers would have dropped the attacker weeks ago, especially with a summer departure looking likely.

Therefore, O’Neill deserves massive praise for sticking with Maeda, and this decision could now prove to be decisive in the ongoing title race.

Will Maeda leave Celtic in the summer?

Football Insider exclusively revealed that Celtic are preparing to cash in on Maeda in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Hoops are willing to accept offers as they believe there is no chance that he will sign a new contract.

Currently, his deal is set to expire in 2027, meaning the upcoming window is potentially the club’s last chance to make any money on him.

Maeda has been at the Old Firm side since 2022 and has been crucial to many title victories thanks to his insane goalscoring ability.

Now, Celtic need the 28-year-old to step up and continue his Falkirk form for the final five games of the season as O’Neill eyes an unlikely domestic double.