Daizen Maeda was everywhere at Hampden.

Pressing, harrying, creating chaos and reminding everyone why he’s such a vital part of Celtic’s attack.

But it wasn’t just his work rate that got fans talking… it was his cheeky moment of trolling towards Rangers striker Danilo.

After Johnny Kenny headed Celtic into the lead in the first half of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final, Maeda made sure Rangers knew all about it.

As the players made their way back to the centre circle for kick-off, the Japanese international turned to Danilo and held up his finger, gesturing “1-0” with a grin.

For a wee while now, Celtic haven’t had the bite in derby matches. But it was back yesterday.

That swagger and confidence from Maeda is exactly what fans want to see.

It summed up the mood around Maeda’s performance as relentless, fearless and full of character.

For the red card incident, he sprinted over and defended his teammate.

Back from injury and straight into the starting XI, he produced a tireless display that set the tone for Celtic’s 3-1 extra-time victory, helping book a place in the December 14 final against St Mirren.

And as far as moments go, this little bit of Hampden mischief might just be one of the best of the day.

1 COMMENT

  1. He will get offered a new and better contract jis family loves Glasgow and scotland his kids have got the glasgow twang his energy sets the tone yes not everything goes right but i be tavanier dreaded going in to his old position he was there fotmr his deadball expertise and welsh gave him so many chances to cross balls thats how Trusty got mam off the match win everthing with his partner scales only time rangers got ball into dangerious position was crosses which welsh helped with dome terrible calls yes he tap butlang on the head and that what it was has anybody got footage of a player getting a straight red card lets see it welsh yellow maybe passing it to var who should there commitent to gers by disallowing Celtics first goal every goal Celtic have scored this season supporters is half gearted cheers cause they know var will check 2 maybe 3 passes set up to the goal before allowing it our next goal no way could anybody disallow this one not even masons well var great cross brilliant finish 3 in two games not bad even had gers players constant hassling of the officails tavanier and raskin every tackle right into walsh face no card for raising hand for player to get card raskin is a spoilt like little brat who dosent get his way first into scuffles first away when he gets player booked McGregor 24 ran into the ground Engels these two have great engines Engels not everybodies cup of tea hes begining to settle hope his carry on between board and manager dont halt his progress with there selfish egos ymthat been going on from berlin thats when hoops thought there season was over and Rodgers couldnt turn it around cause he thought spl and scottish cup was not up to what he wants in his CV I knew he was vain with his tan and luminis teeth that comes close to boyd no boyd could light a cave up but to be serious the game was ruined in Celtic supporters eyes by the constant call against there players every time whistle blown for foul against there team thats what kept rangers in the game you cant relax no matter how much you are dominating as we witnessed any chabce walsh and we have seen ot in the past by other poor or biased refs todays press and punteds will say the game changed with the red no doubt he should he up before the judge for assualt and welsh for neglegence of duty but justice was done but not till we had to go to extra time then more injustice Tierney thriws ball to hiata on byline inside gers box where he was barge to ground by gers player stone waller compered to walsh definitoin of a penalty or foul what a goal by McGregor then a story book ending 18 year old scores his first cup goal at end of game emotion took over thats what it is no poltical banners which has not good anarchist have attached themsevles to our young nieve ultras palastinin flags have forced a goid young Israeli international player this not Celtic a club for all wont be allowed to say that scottish media will see to that thats what these anurchist have done we have to weed them out against the board banners allowed cause its in house the turning up 15 minutes late never.throwing tennis balls on to pitch where we have opition fans cheering our players that had to clear balls of the pitch that hurt yhe players and never git going to second half got beat in league next two games when i lost faith with Rodgers playing two young players donavan + Kelly beside each other in one of the most intimidating grounds im britain loved the closeness to the pitch one step off the pich supporters can touch the hatred is immense and they had terrible game terrible threw to young players under the bus no thought if what it might do to there careerers just a to board into a corner im sorry Rodgers you ruined your legacy at Celtic cause your if your massive ego dont get me wrong Dermit is not without sin his board have to recordnise the fans not the anarchists fans will get them out board has to respestic the fans if they want fans to do the same players need to know fans rate them even if Rodgers didnt

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