We know exactly what this guy has in his locker

McGregor never doubted how Maeda would react after Celts blocked deadline day move

- BY MICHAEL GANNON

CALLUM McGREGOR insists there was never a shred of doubt in the Celtic dressing room over Daizen Maeda's dedication to the cause.

The Hoops favourite looked destined to depart the club on deadline day and even emptied out his Lennoxtown locker.

And there was another bombshell when Brendan Rodgers revealed the attacker had made it known he wanted a fresh challenge back in February.

Any chance of a move hit the skids on the final day of the window as Celts got themselves in a knot in the search for a striker - leaving Maeda in limbo.

McGregor knew there was never any fears the Japanese ace was going to down tools or take the huff.

Instead it was business as usual as the frontman put in the usual power of work at Rugby Park and popped up with a stunning diving header to open the scoring in the 2-1 win last Sunday.

McGregor had no worries as he said: "No, no, definitely not. He's one of these characters that gives you 100 per cent no matter what.

"He's one guy you can hang your hat on that is going to give you 100 per cent until the day he does move on. To be fair, I think everybody at some point expected that might be the case, considering he's flown all the way across the world to play for this club.

"He's been amazing for the team, he's been amazing for the club, he's done so well and I'm sure he'll continue to do that as well."