Ex-Celtic star Maeda assists in Japan win over New Zealand

Former Celtic forward Daizen Maeda provided an assist in Japan's 2-1 victory over New Zealand in the Kirin Cup final on Monday afternoon. The match at Tokyo's National Stadium saw three Scottish Premiership players feature for the defeated All Whites, who now begin a 5,750-mile journey back to Scotland within the next 24 hours.

Japan took the lead when Maeda set up Ayase Ueda for the opening goal. New Zealand midfielder Ben Old equalised before the break, but Ritsu Doan scored the winner for the hosts in the second period.

Celtic-connected players feature for New Zealand

George Stanger, Alex Paulsen and Jesse Randall all played for New Zealand in the final. Stanger, who made his international debut earlier in the window and his first start against China, will now rejoin the Kilmarnock squad ahead of their match against Rangers. Randall came on as a substitute for the final 15 minutes and returns to Dundee United, who host Hibernian.

Alex Paulsen, the on-loan Motherwell goalkeeper, will be back in the Fir Park lineup when they entertain Celtic on 11 October. The league leaders, who sit first in the Premiership with 18 points from seven games, will travel to face a Motherwell side currently ninth in the table.

New Zealand manager Darren Bazeley noted his side's busy schedule. "Darren Bazeley’s side has been well-travelled in this international window," he said. Defender George Stanger reflected on the result, stating, "It meant that New Zealand were unable to replicate Scotland’s success in the Kirin Cup back in 2006, under Walter Smith."

Celtic's focus returns to domestic action after a 1-0 defeat to Rangers in their last outing on 20 September. The team's current form and league position can be tracked in our standings. Alex Paulsen's immediate task is to prepare for Celtic's visit to Fir Park this weekend.

Read the full report at Daily Record Football