Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has explained his decision to bring Daizen Maeda off at half-time against Crvena zvezda this evening.
The Japanese frontman was replaced by Kelechi Iheanacho at the break.
Iheanacho came on and opened the scoring in the 1-1 draw.
Speaking post-match, Rodgers explained the alteration: "We needed someone centrally to hold the ball up," he told TNT Sports.
"I felt that we arrived into the final third in the first half and we were either loose with the ball or didn't hold the ball up.
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"That's one of Kels' greatest strengths, he can take the ball in and use his body well."
Pressed on Maeda's commitment given the speculation over his future, Rodgers said: "He wasn't at his best, or nowhere near it. However, he's a good guy, and sometimes that happens in the game.
"I could've made a couple of changes at half-time.
"I wanted to make that one to give us a reference at the top of the pitch. I thought Kels came in and was very good for us."
