Celtic will go into this weekend's Glasgow Derby knowing that they need a win. No matter what the result is in the Motherwell vs Hearts matchup, the Hoops must take all three points at home against the Rangers.

That is the only thing that is in their hands right now in the title race. And there is some good news for Martin O'Neill's side heading into this weekend's derby at Celtic Park.

Celtic's injury problems are one of the key reasons why they have struggled so badly this season.

It had looked like they might have been handed another blow coming out of the Hibernian match, as Daizen Maeda appeared to have picked up some sort of ankle issue.

Of course, Maeda has been in top form in recent weeks and has been finding the back of the net consistently, while also contributing with his relentless work rate off the ball, causing the opposition to make mistakes.

So, Celtic could not have afforded for Maeda to pick up an injury at this point in the season. And fortunately, it looks like he is going to be available this weekend.

Pictures have emerged of the Japanese international training with the team and looking in good spirits ahead of the Glasgow Derby, which suggests that the issue is nothing serious and he should be fit to feature.

O'Neill has come up with a strategy to get the best out of his forward line despite Celtic's fitness issues.

He has been starting games with Maeda as the centre-forward. But later on in the game, Kelechi Iheanacho is brought on.

Iheanacho has struggled with his fitness as well. But in recent weeks, he has shown the ability to score after coming off the bench and decide games.

In fact, one could argue that coming on as a substitute gives him the advantage of playing against tired opposition defences and might suit Celtic better, even though many have called for him to be given starts. For now, O'Neill needs to stick with what is working.

That would mean Maeda starting against the Rangers. The visitors have little to play for this season following their defeat at the hands of Hearts. But one can rest assured that they will try their best to make sure that Celtic do not win this derby.

On the other hand, Celtic will have to do something that they have not been able to pull off in their previous nine derbies. That is to defeat the Rangers within 90 minutes. Their wins have come on penalties or extra time in cup games.

That run needs to come to an end this weekend. And one can only hope that Maeda ends up playing an integral role in making that happen.

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