Daizen Maeda marked his return to the Celtic starting XI in style, and he made sure to remind everyone who runs Glasgow after the 3–1 extra-time win over Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park.

The Japanese forward, who had been sidelined with a hamstring niggle, started for the first time since before the international break. He’d been sent home early from Japan duty due to the injury and only made his return with a late cameo against Falkirk midweek.

Back in the XI for Sunday’s Hampden showdown, Maeda was relentless. Pressing, tracking back and constantly tormenting the Rangers defence.

His tireless energy embodied Martin O’Neill’s high-intensity approach and was a major factor in Celtic’s dominance, particularly after Rangers went down to ten men.

It was the perfect response from a player who had been under scrutiny in recent weeks. Some supporters had questioned his commitment after speculation over a potential summer move away from Celtic Park, but Maeda’s performance silenced any lingering doubts.

And he followed it up with a typically understated but brilliantly pointed post on social media after the final whistle.

“See you at the final!
By the way, Glasgow is green”

Celtic will now face St Mirren on December 14 in the League Cup final, and with Maeda back fit and firing, they’ll be confident of bringing more silverware back to the East End.