Daizen Maeda ON for Celtic quick-fire injury return as Brendan Rodgers drops hint during fan Q&A

Crocked Daizen Maeda looks to be inching towards a quick-fire return from injury for Celtic.

The forward had been set to miss the title run-in with boss Brendan Rodgers revealing Maeda had suffered a hamstring injury before the clash with St Mirren. The Japanese flying machine missed the win over the Buddies as well as the Scottish Cup semi-final thriller against Aberdeen - which saw Celtic book their spot in a the Scottish Cup final with a penalty shoot-out win.

But Maeda could now be fit for the Hampden showpiece and the Scottish Premiership title run-in after reportedly responding well to treatment. The 26-year-old has previously made speedy recoveries from injury and was spotted in the stands at the national stadium during the clash with the Dons. Hoops boss Rodgers is said to have discussed Maeda’s fitness and covered various other topics during a Q&A with Celtic fans on Wednesday night – and hinted at a swift return for the forward.

While Celtic will be desperate to see the key man back – particularly after playing a key role against Rangers in recent clashes – a return timeline remains unclear. He netted against Philippe Clement's side in the 3-3 draw at Ibrox before picking up the serious hamstring knock.