Daizen Maeda is excited about the opportunity to play in the city where he lives, Glasgow, while representing his country when his side takes on Scotland this weekend at Hampden.
Maeda said to RecordSport:
"It will be a very happy experience for me to play in my home city at Hampden for my country. I feel incredibly fortunate to get this opportunity. I could be playing against some of my own teammates, so in a sense it should be easier because I know their game, but it is also difficult because it will be an unusual experience for me.
Hampden is a stadium that suits my game well. It reminds me of our National Stadium in Japan. It's easy to play in. Many Japanese people who have supported me will be there, so I hope to repay them with my performance.
Although, it will be an unusual experience too because there will be many Celtic fans who usually cheer me on supporting Scotland this time. Normally, they are great allies to me."
Speaking about his position at Celtic and how Japan will play him, he said:
"At Celtic, I am not playing as a striker anymore. Playing on the left or as a wing-back is a position I am comfortable with, and I expect that will be my position against Scotland if I am selected. I haven't spoken to the manager yet, so I don't know, but I hope to be able to play my best in whatever position I'm given."
Daizen Maeda was called up for international duty with Japan, with the manager still fancying him despite his lacklustre performances this season at Celtic. He has always been a good option for his national side, with him offering pace and relentless pressing that others can't.
Exciting game at the weekend
It's going to be an exciting game this weekend, with Scotland being back on our screens once again. Celtic players Anthony Ralston and Kieran Tierney will be in action for the hosts, with Maeda, of course, playing for the away team.
Both nations will go out looking to give themselves a boost for the upcoming World Cup in America, but it won't be long until domestic football returns. The time will fly by quickly, with Celtic set to take on Dundee on April 5.
A good performance from Maeda for his national team could see him win his starting spot in that team, so that will surely be on the winger's mind.