Brendan Rodgers admits Daizen Maeda's red-hot form is likely to attract the attention of bigger clubs after the Japan attacker scored a double in Celtic’s 5-1 win over Aberdeen.

Maeda has been in stunning form for the Hoops and has started in a more central attacking role in a number of recent games, including Tuesday's game at Celtic Park and last week's 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

That decision from Rodgers left Adam Idah starting both games on the bench, while fellow Ireland striker Johnny Kenny has struggled for game time since returning to Glasgow from his time on loan at Shamrock Rovers.

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Idah did start against Hibernian last weekend, but was taken off at half-time in the 2-1 defeat at Easter Road.

Maeda opened the scoring in the 24th minute against Aberdeen with a goal from close range before further efforts from returning Portuguese winger Jota and skipper Callum McGregor gave the home side a comfortable 3-0 lead.

The Dons had missed good chances when the game was goalless and they found themselves further behind when Celtic substitute Yang Hyun-Jun added a fourth in the 72nd minute.

And although Dons replacement Shayden Morris reduced the deficit in the last minute of normal time, there was time for Maeda to grab his second and his 25th for the Hoops this season.

Celtic moved 16 points clear of Rangers at the top of the William Hill Premiership and Rodgers conceded the potential interest from other clubs if Maeda – the “symbol” of his side – continues in this run of form.

Rodgers said: “Yes, I would think he would. I think a number of the players will because of their efficiency and their work. And not only that, they’ve done it at the highest level.

“If you’re doing it at a Champions League level (against Bayern Munich), you’re showing that you can do it at that level and on that stage.

“So, yes, I think if you’re scoring goals like he has, work as hard as he does, then of course that will always bring attention.

“But I also think the team and the structure of the team really promotes his qualities. He’s a great symbol for our team and the collective.

“What I asked of him in terms of the pressing, and I’ve said before, he’s the highest level of that and just the intensity that he presses.

“And then I believe he can score in whatever position he plays along the frontline.

“You’ve seen him score goals from the right side, from the left side, as a central striker. Yes, his first goal was wonderful anticipation to get onto it.

“And the second goal is what he’s shown a lot this season, where he’s in the areas we want him to be in after a brilliant cross by Ali (Johnston).

“So, as I said, a great symbol of how we play, how we work, how we train and deserving of everything he’s getting so far.”

A move for Maeda away from Celtic Park would be a massive blow to the club, with Idah having struggled to find form this season following his £9.5million move from Norwich after a successful loan spell in Glasgow last term.

And one would imagine if Maeda leaves the club that a similar type attacking player would be brought in to replace him.

Meanwhile, both Idah and Kenny will return to Ireland with the Hoops this summer with Celtic facing Cork City at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday, July 8.

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