Celtic started off the split with a 3-1 victory over Falkirk in front of a packed stadium. The atmosphere was electric, and Chris Sutton has it spot on with his assessment on what went right for the Hoops.
Taking to X after the game, Sutton said: "Important three points for Celtic. Daizen Maeda may just be finding his form at the right time. Looked to be at his physical best, and the sight of Alistair Johnston back on the pitch a huge boost for the final push."
Sutton is on the money. Maeda was incredible and was unlucky to miss out on securing his hat-trick. Although he has been criticised throughout the season, and rightly so on some occasions, he proved that he still has something about him.
If he can pull out this form for the rest of the split games, Celtic could actually win the title. There is some doubt from a group of fans when he is played up front, but it seems like it's worth it to trust him there going forward.
Tomas Cvancara was not included in the matchday squad at Parkhead, so his time as No. 9 is essentially over. Kelechi Iheanacho got some gametime, but Martin O'Neill clearly didn't think he was fit enough to start.
That's the good thing about Maeda - even when other players aren't fit, he always seems to be. He can run for 90 minutes, and his sheer determination against Falkirk was incredible. His goalscoring antics just topped it off.
Johnston's return is more than welcome
Sutton also highlighted Johnston's return, and he's right to say it's a huge boost. It feels like a lifetime ago that we saw him on the pitch, and everyone was pleased to see him back in action.
He only played 18 minutes, but hopefully, he'll be able to get more game time as the season goes on. There are only a handful of fixtures left, and O'Neill will be hoping that he is ready to start against either Rangers or Hearts. We know how big a player he can be, especially in title-deciding clashes, so hopefully, he will be ready.
Callum Osmand seems set to return soon too, but if Maeda can keep his form up, he won't lose the spot for the rest of the season. Osmand allegedly featured in a secret friendly last week, and O'Neill confirmed that he is almost ready for a return. Fans expected him to be in the squad for the Falkirk game, but he wasn't, so fingers crossed that he's ready for the trip to Easter Road on May 3.
It seems like things are clicking for Celtic at the perfect time, and things couldn't be better. We're pushing up the table, and there's every chance we end this season with another league title. Let's hope that things don't go wrong.
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