OPINION

Deadly Daizen, Schlupp verdict: Instant analysis as Celtic rout Raith

Celtic's Daizen Maeda (centre) scores their side's fifth goal of the game and his hat-trick during the Scottish Gas Men's Scottish Cup fifth round match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday February 8, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER <i>(Image: Andrew Milligan)</i>
Celtic's Daizen Maeda (centre) scores their side's fifth goal of the game and his hat-trick during the Scottish Gas Men's Scottish Cup fifth round match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday February 8, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER (Image: Andrew Milligan)
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Celtic cruised into the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup with a ruthless 5-0 win over Raith Rovers at Parkhead.

Japanese attacker Daizen Maeda took his goal tally to 21 for the season as he bagged another Scottish Cup treble with further goals from Luke McCowan and Yang Hyun-Jun completing the rout against Barry Robson's men.

Maeda's hat trick also saw him notch 50 career goals for Celtic.

Brendan Rodgers made nine changes to the side that defeated Dundee 6-0 in midweek with only Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda retaining their starting places.

The Irishman offered first outings of the season to Finnish goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo and defender Dane Murray.

It took Celtic just six minutes to get off the mark in this one. Portuguese under-21 captain Paulo Bernardo picked the ball up on the edge of the Raith Rovers penalty area and shunted it to Maeda who buried a fine side-footed effort from 14 yards with ease.

Two minutes later Celtic skipper Callum McGregor crashed a shot off the crossbar as the hosts meant business. Sinisalo was finally called into action when Josh Mullin's attempted lob was palmed behind on 26 minutes.

Just as Raith Rovers felt that they would head into the break with a one-goal deficit Maeda struck twice within a minute. He tapped home from close range right on 45 minutes but it was correctly ruled out for offside.

However, within seconds Maeda had claimed his second of the match and 20th of the season after another fine, flowing move saw Yang play in the striker who lashed high into the net to double Celtic's lead.

Celtic wasted no time after the restart and it was 3-0 after 47 minutes.

Yang found Luke McCowan in the middle and he managed to steer an angled shot into the far post.

It was 4-0 after 56 minutes when Yang produced a sweet first-time low finish on the half-volley from Anthony Ralston's deep cross from the right to notch his second goal of the season.

There was still time for Maeda to complete his hat trick as he darted into the back post to bundle the ball as well as himself into the net as McCowan turned provider.

It was the holders who clinically moved into the last eight but it is full steam ahead to Wednesday night when the mighty Bayern Munich roll into Glasgow for the Champions League playoff round first leg.

It promises to be a cracking occasion.


Viljami Sinisalo takes his competitive Celtic bow

The Finnish goalkeeper had had to play second fiddle to Kasper Schmeichel since he signed for the club from Aston Villa in the summer.

His big day finally arrived as he got the nod to start in between the sticks to make his debut.

Whilst he was never going to be busy in this one he confidently turned Josh Mullin's lob shot behind the Celtic goal after 26 minutes although it looked to be heading behind.

He also fisted a dangerous inswinging corner away from the six-yard box. Sinisalo will have just enjoyed the fact that he got the chance to take his bow and he did most things with aplomb.


Jeffrey Schlupp was on song all afternoon and hit the right notes

The on-loan Crystal Palace defender is playing for a contract in effect and it showed. The English Premier League winner with Leicester was a class act and he was keen to display his wares.

His all-round movement was excellent as he slipped into his role perfectly. The 32-year-old looked like a quality player, and he looked like he had a licence to roam all afternoon and there was nothing the visitors could do about it.

Schlupp was comfortable picking up the ball and distributing it from the midfield as he tucked neatly into the inverted full-back role. He was very composed in everything that he did and he possesses real pace to boot.

He can be mightily pleased with his contribution on his first start for his new club.


Dane Murray looks minted

Rodgers reckons there is a hugely talented player lurking within the young towering defender. The Irishman revealed that Murray was due to start against Dundee in the match that was postponed due to storm Eowyn.

His big chance and moment duly arrived against Raith Rovers after impressing Rodgers during his loan spell at Queen's Park. There is something about the 6ft 4-inch stopper that tells you that he possesses the raw ingredients.

He is tall, athletic and looks to have an eye for a pass. He also looks comfortable enough on the ball and looks like a proper centre-half. The biggest compliment to the 21-year-old is that his manager favours him over Maik Nawrocki and that is saying something.

He made a solid contribution and strolled throughout the 90 minutes as Raith Rovers were pretty lacklustre in the attacking third. There is potential in Murray and Rodgers seems to be well aware of his qualities and what he can offer the champions moving forward.


Deadly Daizen Maeda...again to make it 21 for the campaign and 50 in his Celtic career

It took Daizen Maeda just six minutes to open the scoring in this fifth-round tie.

Paulo Bernardo won the ball at the edge of the area and played in Maeda who fired an accurate low drive beyond Josh Rae.

The Japanese attacker thought he had claimed his second when he rammed home at half-time but he was denied by the assistant's flag and TV pictures proved it was correct.

He wasn't to be denied though and in a sweeping move from one end of the pitch to the other Yang fed Maeda in the middle of the box and he smashed it high into the back of the net.

He duly completed his hat trick with 13 minutes left on the clock when he bundled McCowan's cross home at the back post as the chalked up the half-century of goals for Celtic

That's 21 goals in all competitions and 11 in his last 12 games for Celtic. He has shown that he can play through the middle and adopted the Kyogo Furuhashi mantle with the minimum of fuss.

In his current form, he is the best footballer in Scottish football and is now a serious and genuine contender for the Player of the Year award.


A bitter blow for Bernardo

The Portuguese midfielder left the field of play injured after 37 minutes. He took a knock to the ankle after tangling with Jordan Doherty and needed some attention.

The 23-year-old had put himself about and provided an excellent assist that led to the opening goal for Maeda.

He limped off the park after appearing to roll his ankle in the incident with Doherty. Bernardo made the rotate signal to the bench as he knew his race was run and was replaced by Reo Hatate.

Rodgers will hope that there is no lasting damage to a vital member of his first-team squad even though he has only been making bit part appearances of late.

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