Chris Sutton senses Celtic mind games from Brendan Rodgers ahead of title run in

Chris Sutton reckons Brendan Rodgers could be playing mind games ahead of Celtic's title run-in.

The Hoops boss effectively ruled Daizen Maeda out for the remainder of the season after the Japanese flying machine suffered a hamstring injury earlier this month. But the Northern Irishman revealed this week that Maeda has made a miraculous recovery and could now be available for Saturday's Premiership showdown with Hearts.

Sutton has his suspicions over the extent of Maeda's initial diagnosis but believes the all-action winger's return will be a massive boost for the champions ahead - especially with two Glasgow derbies on the horizon.

He told the Daily Record: "It's the time of the season for mind games, with bluffs and double bluffs to gain some kind of psychological advantage for the run in. That might be the case with Brendan Rodgers when it comes to Daizen Maeda. One minute his season was over. The next he might be back.

"Will he have a major role to play in huge games like the Premiership and Scottish Cup derbies? Who knows. But what we do know is if Maeda does get back - and back near his usual levels - then it will be a massive boost for Rodgers and Celtic at this crucial stage of the campaign.

"Look, the way some people are talking it's like hearing Messi is on his way. I wouldn't quite go that far as you still never really know where the final ball is going with him. Yet there is absolutely no doubt he is an important player for Celtic and a big miss when he's not around.

"Celtic supporters reckon James Tavernier will be having sleepless nights about the thought of going up against the Japanese flying machine. That might be a bit much but it's true the Rangers captain has had his troubles against the wide man.

"His goal in last month's 3-3 draw was about the most Daizen Maeda goal ever and there was one at Ibrox last season when the pressure on Tavernier forced a mistake. His pace and pressing is a nightmare to deal with but, more importantly, the threat of a burst in behind tends to keep Tavernier from getting too adventurous at the other end.

"That's vital, because his delivery from the wide areas is very good - and that kind of thing has been a problem for Celtic this season."