Celtic’s first test of the Japan tour sees them face Yokohama F. Marinos today (KO: 11am Celtic Park time), with the only place you can watch it being LIVE on Celtic TV.

It’s a step-up in opposition for Brendan Rodgers’ team as they continue their preparations for the new season.

Ahead of the match, both the Celtic manager and Daizen Maeda spoke to a room packed with local media, with lots of excitement about the return home for Celtic's five Japanese players.

Brendan Rodgers' said: “Firstly I would like to say a big thank you and I’m very privileged to be here in Japan.

'To be here playing when we have our Japanese players and to take Celtic to Yokohama is very special for them and for us.'

“Our priority at this stage of pre-season is our fitness. We are playing a fantastic team that is coached so well and it’s a perfect game for us at this stage of our preparation.

“When I see Kevin Muscat's team play, it doesn’t surprise me how well he has done. Winning the championship here in 2022 was a fantastic achievement, but not just winning, winning with the style of football he plays.

“We’re delighted to be here and we’re really looking forward to the game.”

The manager has not had long to work with his team so far, but he’s been impressed with what he has seen so far, both in quality and application.

And the Hoops boss was asked what it’s been like to work specifically with Yuki Kobayashi, Tomoki Iwata, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhahsi.

He said: “Daizen and his team-mates that have come to Scotland have already been successful.

'The two years they've been at Celtic, they have won five trophies out of six. Daizen has played at the World Cup so they are doing a wonderful job.'

“But I think it’s the humility of the players that’s important, the hard work, and the tactical idea has improved over the years. You can look around the world and Japanese players are progressing so well.”

The match against Yokohama F. Marinos sees Daizen Maeda return to the club he left when he joined Celtic and moved to Glasgow.

A J-League Team of the Year member in his final season, the forward says he has improved since leaving and he’s also excited to play again in front of the Japanese fans.

He said: “In terms of attacking I’m much stronger, and in defence I’m tougher. In that sense I have grown in all aspects and I like to show everything to the fans and the crowd.

'I am always making improvements in my mind to make myself better than last season. When I’m on the pitch I do my best.'

“The strength of Japanese players is their humility and being able to play for the team.

"However, it’s not only about Japanese players. Each player at Celtic can do the same and that’s why we are a successful team, so please look for that.”

Manager and Daizen Maeda preview Yokohama F. Marinos game