In an attempt to maintain their momentum, Celtic will play Raith Rovers at Celtic Park in the Scottish Cup fifth round this weekend. Celtic defeated Dundee 6-0 on Wednesday night, moving them up to the top of the Scottish Premiership table by 13 points as they aim for another championship.
Rangers, led by Philippe Clement, defeated Dundee 4-0 in their most recent cup match at Ibrox versus Queen’s Park.
After Celtic’s decisive victory over Dundee, returning hero Jota called teammate Daizen Maeda “outstanding.” “Maeda deserves praise for his exceptional performance this season,” the winger remarked. Tonight was great. I’d been searching for that feeling for quite some time. I missed it terribly, and to rejoice with the supporters after winning and scoring a ton of goals was the best way to return.
“I believe that because I have been here before, I am familiar with my teammates and know the movements that Daizen and my other teammates will make. Therefore, it just comes down to being in the right place at the right time and delivering.
In the match against Dundee, Maeda, 27, scored twice for the Hoops. This season, he has now scored eighteen goals, eight of which have been in the league.
He first signed a loan agreement with the Hoops in 2021, but his move was eventually made permanent. The Japan international is currently building a new alliance with Jota after playing a significant role under Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou.
Rangers’ attempts to sign Omari Forson before the January transfer window ended were unsuccessful, according to Matteo Moretto. After moving to Italy last summer, the 20-year-old now plays for Monza in Serie A.
His long-term future is uncertain, though, as he has had difficulty making an effect. The attacker has a three-year contract with his current team, although he doesn’t start often.
Before Manchester United signed him in 2019, the 20-year-old Forson played in the academy at both West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur. After that, he played seven games for the Red Devils’ first team before leaving.
He remarked, “I’ve learned so much – good habits on and off the pitch – and I’ve really enjoyed my time since the start of pre-season,” following his debut with the senior setup at Old Trafford. You need to keep studying since there is a lot to learn. I’m always learning, especially since I’m still young.
Rangers may have wished to give him a late escape route from Monza because they saw him as a way to strengthen their attacking groups. They are now stuck with what they have until the summer unless they decide to enter the free agent market, though, as nothing ultimately came to pass.
