Daizen Maeda: McAvennie shares ‘unbelievable’ verdict on ‘brilliant’ new Celtic star

Frank McAvennie has hailed Daizen Maeda’s start to life at Celtic.

However, the former Hoops hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, warned the striker could lose his place when Kyogo Furuhashi returns from injury.

Maeda, 24, scored his second Celtic goal on Sunday (6 February) as his side beat Motherwell 4-0.

His shot took a huge deflection and looped into the net, marking his fourth appearance for the club.

The striker’s fifth appearance came on Wednesday night though he was unable to find the net as his side beat Aberdeen 3-2.

McAvennie has been impressed by Maeda and backed the goals to keep coming.

“I’m part of the striker’s union, he meant that goal at the weekend,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.

“I’m telling you, it was an unbelievable strike. In all seriousness, it was great for him to get that goal.

“I have said over the last few weeks that because we now have so many options, whoever is given a chance pretty much needs to score to keep their place.

“He’s been brilliant. Maeda scored on his debut and then obviously it’s been hard for him because he’s been away with Japan but he got himself another at the weekend.

“Giakoumakis has been doing well lately but maybe hasn’t scored as many as he would like.

“Things will get interesting when Kyogo comes back. That might just put a bit of pressure on Maeda to keep scoring.

“But, as I have to say, I have been really pleased by what I have seen from him so far.”

Maeda’s first Hoops goal came on his debut against Hibs on 17 January.

He joined from Yokohama F. Marinos in Janaury.

This article was originally posted here

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