McAvennie issues ‘big’ Celtic claim as Daizen Maeda quotes emerge
Frank McAvennie has praised Daizen Maeda for acknowledging the mistakes Celtic made in their Champions League campaign this season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker insisted next year will be a “big year” for the Celts in Europe.
Speaking to Japanese outlet KKT, as quoted by the Celtic Way (16 November), the 25-year-old said he “got a lot” out of his experience in the Champions League this season that he hopes will help him in the World Cup.
The midfielder acknowledged that the Green and Whites failed to take their chances in the competition.
McAvennie has been pleased with the Japan international’s confession and insisted the team will be better next year.
“They made mistakes and that was just not putting the ball in the back of the net,” he told Football Insider.
“No matter how good a team you are in the Champions League, you are going to get chances against you because it is the best teams.
“They took their chances, we did not and that is how it ended up. That is the only mistakes.
“Maeda was guilty of a few of them so that is maybe what he is talking about. It is great that he is acknowledging it.
“We will go again next year and try and make a dent in Europe.
“I think they impressed everyone this year. But impressing people does not matter, you have to go and prove that you are the real deal.
“So I think next year will be a big year.“
In other news, Hutton has backed Rangers to topple Celtic as new Hoops ‘hammer blow’ suggested.