Daizen Maeda has opened up on why he didn't do his trademark celebration despite scoring his first-ever senior goal for the Japanese national team on Friday.
Celtic star Maeda was only on the pitch two minutes before he ghosted in at the back post to score his country's fourth goal after coming on as a late substitute in a 4-1 Kirin Cup semi final win over Ghana.
The 24-year-old has become synonymous with a celebration that's linked to cartoon hero, Anpanman - who Maeda revealed is his daughter's favourite.
But when he netted his landmark goal against Ghana, he opted against continuing the theme and insisted it was because he didn't think he had performed to his high standards during a previous game against Paraguay.
Maeda spurred several big opportunities in the match however the Samurai Blue still triumphed to a 4-1 victory over the South American's.
“I wanted to make up for the first game [against Paraguay]", Maeda told the Japanese press.
"Of course I wanted to perform, but I felt I was not in that situation. I wanted the fans to see me score a goal first.
“I have only scored one goal. I still haven’t put in a good performance. If I get a chance, I want to aim for it.”
He now has the opportunity to win silverware when Japan face Tunisia in the final on Tuesday morning before he returns to Celtic.
Winning an international tournament alongside Hoops team mate Kyogo Furuhashi could further boost team morale at club level as Ange Postecoglou's men look to build on their Premiership title winning success of last season.
Maeda completed his permanent move to Parkhead earlier this summer after a successful loan spell.
He bagged eight goals and provided five assists as he impressed fans with his high-energy performances.
