He’s not Messi: Sutton’s warning regarding vital Celtic development.

The former Yokohama forward put up a typical all-action 90+ minutes at Ibrox at the beginning of the month, scoring after only 21 seconds and continuing to play even after most of his midfield and forward teammates were replaced.

The news that his season appeared to be finished came as a shock because Maeda’s absence created a huge gap on the Celtic left.

News of Maeda’s impending comeback to action ahead of the Glasgow Derby on May 11th quickly gained traction on Wednesday night. Rodgers verified this information at Friday’s press conference, citing the Hearts match on May 4 as a reasonable return target.

At this point in the season, every development is scrutinised to the extreme; in the Daily Record, Sutton tempers expectations on Maeda’s return with a little caution.

“What we do know is if Maeda does get back – and back near his usual levels – then it will be a massive boost for Rodgers and Celtic at this crucial stage of the campaign. Look, the way some people are talking it’s like hearing Messi is on his way. I wouldn’t quite go that far as you still never really know where the final ball is going with him.”

“Yet there is absolutely no doubt he is an important player for Celtic and a big miss when he’s not around. The other wingers at the club have not exactly hit the heights in his absence, with Yang continuing to blow hot and cold and Nicolas Kuhn also being a bit of a mixed bag.”

Maeda might be tempted to start on the bench tomorrow against Dundee, but he doesn’t seem likely to play. There are five out of nine substitutes available.

In other news, One major obstacle in Celtic’s alleged goalkeeping target