Celtic star Daizen Maeda has confessed he has changed his training methods in order to be fit on a Parkhead matchday and for Japan's international double header.
The 25-year-old was forced off during the Scottish Premiership clash with Hearts earlier this month after opening the scoring, and boss Ange Postecoglou would leave Maeda out of the Scottish Cup tie with Robbie Neilson's team later the same week. The striker would be thrown straight back into the starting line-up for the final league game before the international break - playing 60 minutes of the victory over Hibs.
However, Maeda he has now revealed he is carrying a knee injury into the Samurai Blue's clashes with Uruguay and Colombia. Speaking to Hochi he admitted making changes to his training routine to play for both club and country. He said: "I have adjusted for about an hour by cycling and jogging before training. I'm going to make adjustments so that I can make it in time for games."
Maeda has become a key player for both Celtic and Japan this term - catching eye at the World Cup while epitomising the relentless Angeball style put in place at Parkhead. The attacker admits he welcomes the added responsibility, adding: "I have become even stronger now that I have to have a sense of responsibility. I have gained confidence."
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