Celtic were not at their best and let go of a golden opportunity to increase their goal difference against a 10-man Hibernian side. That being said, they did enough to win, which is what matters more than anything else at this point in the season.

The result puts pressure on both Hearts and the Rangers, with their two title rivals set to face off against each other on this matchday. No matter what the result turns out to be, it will be a positive one for Celtic. How often do you get the chance to say that at this point in the season?

Daizen Maeda is someone who has found his form lately and he was on the scoresheet once again, scoring the opener against Hibs at the weekend away at Easter Road.

There were some worries regarding Maeda coming out of the game as well though. He appeared to be showing a swollen ankle or something of that nature after taking off his boot.

Naturally, that has raised concerns amongst the fans that Maeda could have picked up some sort of injury. Even a minor one would be a blow at this point in the season, with just three more league games left to go, with a Glasgow Derby against the Rangers coming up.

Celtic would not want to go into that game without Maeda. If fit, he is most likely to start the derby as the striker once again with Kelechi Iheanacho remaining on the bench as an impact substitute, a tactic that seems to be working wonders for the Hoops at this time.

Fortunately, there is some positive news on the status of Maeda. While speaking on the Daily Record Hotline Live after the game, journalist Michael Gannon said:

“From what I’m told behind the scenes, I think someone’s trod on his foot, so it’s more an impact thing. It wasn’t an ankle sprain or a ligament sprain. I think somebody stood on his boot. As you know, these boots these days are like a pair of slippers, aren't they? There’s not much protection in them. So I think it’s just a sore one across the bridge of the foot, but I think the chat is he will be alright.”

Celtic fans will be hoping that is all there is to it and that Maeda will be fully fit by the time the Rangers come visiting Parkhead next Sunday. The Japanese forward is set to be a vital part of that derby, if he is available for selection.

It is also possible that he is about to play his final few games for Celtic, as a summer exit is very likely, if not almost certain.

Of course, it is not just about Maeda at the moment. Iheanacho deserves his fair share of credit for the job that he is doing as a super sub.

Obviously, there have been a lot of calls for him to start games. But why move away from something that is working?

Coming on against tired legs is clearly giving him an advantage. He scored the winner for Celtic once again.

When Celtic take on the Rangers, the performance has to be a lot better. But before that, let's see how the game between their top two title rivals turns out tomorrow. A lot of eyes will be on that one, that is for sure.

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