There was really no point in staying awake until just before midnight on Sunday evening to discover that Daizen Maeda had been named PFA Scotland's Player of the Year for the 2024/25 campaign.
It was more or less a foregone conclusion that the electric Japanese forward, who is currently enduring the season of his life, would be voted as the best player in the country this term by his fellow professionals.
Maeda strikes fear into the heart of his opponents, and with 33 goals and 11 assists in 48 Celtic appearances this season, it is no wonder.
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Daizen Maeda named PFA Scotland Player of the Year after stellar Celtic season
He is only the third foreigner of the past decade to win PFA Scotland's Player of the Year accolade, as he followed in the footsteps of fellow countrymen and highly regarded ex-Celts, Kyogo Furuhashi and Shunsuke Nakamura. "I’m very happy to be voted by my fellow footballers," said a humble Maeda after dashing from Celtic's awards night to the PFA's to pick up his trophy.
"As a foreigner, it’s really difficult to receive something like this, so I’m very grateful. I’m not a superstar or anything, I’m just glad to receive this award."
Although the mood of the travelling Celtic support at Ibrox was in no way dampened by the full-time result in Sunday's derby, they could have had a moment to remember for generations had things gone differently in the dying embers when Maeda raced through on goal.
Set up by Reo Hatate, the frontman drove in towards Liam Kelly and, given his track record for scoring mammoth goals this season, looked destined to slot it past the onrushing Rangers goalkeeper. It wasn't to be.
Having spent the week leading up to the game in Japan and having only trained the day prior, Maeda's miss was understandable. "At that moment, physically it was very tough, I couldn’t do much. I wish I could have scored that one.
"But overall what we have done this season has paid off, we have won the league and I’m very happy about that. I was expecting my baby to be born in Japan but still he hasn’t been born yet. So it was a bit difficult with the travel and everything. But the manager used me against Rangers and I was grateful for his trust. It was a difficult trip this time because of the time difference and all the travel. It took a lot for me to go back and forth."
Given that he spent last week back home for the potential birth of his next child, it had been speculated that Maeda may return to the Far East following Sunday's derby. That couldn't be further from the case. "Now I plan just to stay here for the rest of the season."
Celtic's upcoming league games against Hibernian, Aberdeen and St Mirren mean next to nothing. The sole match that matters before the curtain closes on the season for the champions is the hotly anticipated Scottish Cup final.
Wrapping up a treble against Jimmy Thelin's side at Hampden later this month remains as much of a priority for Maeda, though, as the supposed upcoming dead rubbers. "We have the cup final, but we also have three league games to play, and it would be nice to show why we are the champions. We will have to get the results there, finish the league strongly and then hopefully get the last title."
When hitting the heights Maeda does, transfer interest and heightened speculation comes naturally. He is contracted to Celtic until the summer of 2027, although Brendan Rodgers said over a month ago that discussions were underway to up Maeda's pay grade and secure his long-term services.
While the forward has chatted with Rodgers about a new contract, he is giving next to nothing away. "Yes, the gaffer spoke to me about it. But, as I said, there are still some games to be played this season, so I just want to focus on them."
Maeda’s improvement over the past 12 months has been quite spectacular. Everyone knew the Japanese international had a set of distinct attributes that set him apart - speed, endeavour, and sheer energy. His increased composure in front of goal and development of an innate scoring instinct, however, have taken many aback over the course of this season.
And Maeda could yet add to his ever-growing tally before the campaign comes to a close as he glanced an eye to 2025/26. "I know this number of goals is not easy to achieve, so I don’t want to think too much about this being the objective for next season. I would like to focus on everything, including goals, and then in the end, maybe I can achieve something."
Celtic welcome European-chasing Hibernian to Glasgow's east end on Saturday afternoon in the third round of Scottish Premiership post-split fixtures. Maeda has scored twice in his last two outings against the Leith side as he goes for his own personal treble.
