Maeda misses so costly

Two huge chances late on. Two costly misses.

Daizen Maeda could barely put a foot wrong last season, but has been found wanting early in the new campaign as Celtic's Champions League dream crashed and burned.

In the first leg against Kairat Almaty the Japan striker broke clean through and shot straight at the goalkeeper. Then, in Tuesday night's return, Maeda again raced clear with only the keeper the beat, but this time skied his effort.

In a tie where Celtic had all the cutting edge of a blunt instrument, those two golden opportunities proved the difference between Champions League and Europa League, the difference between £40m and £20m.

To complete his and Celtic's misery, Maeda became the third Celtic player to miss in the shootout as their exit fate was sealed.

The 27-year-old was far from the only disappointment over the two legs. But perhaps because his standards were so high last season - 33 goals, 12 assists, various player of the year awards - the dip has been so stark and keenly felt.

In his six appearances so far this term Maeda has netted once, in the League Cup rout of Falkirk.

Former midfielder John Collins described Maeda as "a shadow of last season's player" and added "none of the front players played well" in Almaty.

Now Brendan Rodgers must attempt to pick up the pieces of his shattered side, with Sunday's Old Firm derby the next pressing engagement.