You would think that with the World Cup now taking centre stage, Hearts supporters might finally get a break from reminders of how last season ended.
Apparently not.
Because no matter where he turns, broadcaster Ewen Cameron cannot seem to escape Daizen Maeda.
The Celtic forward was one of the defining figures of the title run-in, producing a remarkable burst of form when Martin O’Neill’s side needed it most.
His goals helped drag Celtic over the line in a title race that looked lost on more than one occasion.
And then there was that goal.
With Hearts on course to win the league on the final day, Maeda popped up in the closing stages at Celtic Park to turn the title race on its head.
His strike put Celtic ahead, sent Paradise into delirium and left Hearts’ title dream hanging by a thread before Callum Osmand’s late goal sealed the deal.
For Jambos supporters, it was heartbreaking. For Celtic fans, it was unforgettable.
Now Maeda is back on the world stage with Japan after earning another World Cup call-up.
The forward already has World Cup pedigree, having scored against Croatia in Qatar in 2022 – a Croatian side which featured former Celtic full-back Josip Juranovic.
And even discussing potential dark horses for this year’s tournament proved enough to bring Maeda’s name back into Ewen Cameron’s life.
Speaking on STV Radio’s football show, Cameron declared:
“Japan is my team.”
Producer Callum Bell described it as a “shout”, before Ronnie Charters spotted an opening.
“We know what Daizen Maeda can do, Ewen, don’t we?”
The response told its own story.
“Yeah… Oh! totally! Do you think I’m going to bite at that ya *****?”
That only encouraged Charters, who immediately burst into a rendition of Tequila.
Cameron’s verdict?
“You’re an ‘arsehole’!”
@stvradiofootballshow Who’s your World Cup dark horses?? 🤔🔥 #fyp #foryoupage #scotland #worldcup #fwc26
Safe to say the wounds have not entirely healed.
But some great patter between the lads!
