During his visit to Birmingham, Maeda attended a Championship fixture where Birmingham City defeated Wrexham 2-0. He shared footage of his former teammate Tomoki Iwata, highlighting the connection that still exists between the two players from their time at Celtic.

Despite his presence in Birmingham, Maeda’s performance has been under scrutiny. He has not scored or assisted in his last 13 games for Celtic, a stark contrast to his earlier contributions this season, where he managed to score eight goals and provide eight assists in 47 appearances.

The last time Maeda found the back of the net was in January during a 4-0 victory over Dundee United. His recent lack of form has led to calls from fans for him to be dropped from the starting lineup, with some expressing hope to see “the real version of Maeda one last time” before the upcoming World Cup.

Maeda’s decline in performance is notable compared to the previous season, where he was a reliable option for Celtic, contributing significantly to their title run. In the last five games before the split last season, he scored five goals, while this season, he has failed to score in the final five pre-split games.

Additionally, his teammate Kyogo Furuhashi has also struggled for game time this season, adding to the challenges faced by Celtic’s attacking lineup. Martin O’Neill, the manager, continues to trust Maeda despite his struggles, indicating a belief in his potential to regain form.

As the season progresses, Maeda will be keen to keep showing face, especially with a World Cup on the horizon this summer. Meanwhile, Tomoki Iwata has made an impressive impact since leaving Celtic, with 90 appearances and 10 goals to his name.

With the pressure mounting, it remains to be seen how Maeda will respond to the challenges ahead. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the season unfolds.

The post Daizen Maeda Spotted in Birmingham After Celtic’s Narrow Win appeared first on DG News Sport.

The match statistics revealed a competitive battle, with Celtic managing 56% possession compared to St Mirren’s 44%. Despite this, St Mirren demonstrated their capability, having had 57% possession in their previous match against Aberdeen. This performance highlighted the ongoing improvement of the team under the guidance of manager Craig McLeish, who expressed disappointment at not taking any points from the game.

Historically, Celtic has dominated this fixture, winning 9 of the last 10 encounters against St Mirren. This match was particularly significant as it followed St Mirren’s surprising 3-1 victory over Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final back in December. The weight of expectation was on Celtic to respond, and they did so, albeit narrowly.

In terms of league standings, this victory propelled Celtic above their fierce rivals, Rangers, into second place in the Scottish Premiership. Celtic’s recent form has been mixed, with 6 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws in their last 10 league games. In contrast, St Mirren has struggled, recording only 3 wins in the same number of matches.

Martin O’Neill, Celtic’s manager, acknowledged the importance of the win but noted a lack of energy from his players. “We won the game which was the most important thing but we lacked energy,” he stated post-match. His comments reflect a recognition that while the result was favorable, the performance left room for improvement.

On the other side, McLeish commended his team’s efforts, particularly in the second half, stating, “St Mirren played very well, had control, good wee parts of the game, particularly in the second half.” However, he lamented the absence of creativity in the final third, which hindered their ability to convert possession into scoring opportunities.

Celtic’s leading goalscorer, Benjamin Nygren, who has netted 5 goals this season, was again a focal point for the team, although he was unable to add to his tally in this match. St Mirren’s Scott Tanser, with 3 assists this season, has been a key player for the visitors, yet the team continues to search for that spark to elevate their performances.

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this match. Celtic aims to maintain their momentum in the league, while St Mirren seeks to find consistency and capitalize on their possession statistics to convert games into points. The outcome of this match serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the Scottish Premiership, where every point is crucial.

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On April 4, 2026, St Mirren will host Aberdeen at The SMiSA Stadium in a pivotal Scottish Premiership clash. With St Mirren currently sitting in 10th place and Aberdeen just ahead in 9th, the stakes are high as both teams seek to improve their standings. St Mirren has accumulated 27 points from 31 games, while Aberdeen holds a slight edge with 30 points, making this match crucial for both sides.

St Mirren comes into this match with a recent victory, having won their last game against Falkirk 2-1. This win marked a much-needed boost for the team, which has struggled this season after dropping from a sixth-place finish last year to fighting for survival in the top flight. In contrast, Aberdeen is facing a challenging period, having not won in their last eight league games, including a winless streak of seven matches across all competitions.

The significance of this match extends beyond the current league positions. St Mirren previously faced Aberdeen in October 2025, where they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat. This history adds an extra layer of tension to the upcoming encounter, as St Mirren will be eager to avenge that loss and secure vital points.

Ticket sales have been robust, with Aberdeen’s away tickets for the match already sold out, indicating strong support from their fans despite the team’s recent struggles. The atmosphere at The SMiSA Stadium is expected to be electric as both sets of supporters rally behind their teams in this crucial fixture.

Referee Nick Walsh will oversee the match, and both teams are expected to field competitive lineups. St Mirren’s possible starting eleven includes George, Gogic, Freckleton, Donnelly, O’Hara, Phillips, Devaney, Campbell, Tanser, N’Lundulu, and Young. Meanwhile, Aberdeen’s lineup may feature Mitov, Milne, Morrison, Molloy, Jensen, Geiger, Aremu, Palaversa, Gyamfi, Nisbet, and Lazetic.

As the match approaches, observers are keen to see if St Mirren can build on their recent form and capitalize on Aberdeen’s ongoing struggles. With just three points separating the two teams, the outcome of this match could have significant implications for both sides as they navigate the final stretch of the season.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential injuries or tactical changes that may impact the match. However, the anticipation continues to build as fans look forward to what promises to be an exciting encounter between these two Scottish Premiership rivals.

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Aberdeen FC is currently grappling with a significant injury crisis that has put the club’s position in the Scottish Premiership under threat. As they strive to avoid relegation, the need for reinforcements has become increasingly urgent. In this context, the recent signing of Elvis Bwomono is a strategic move aimed at bolstering the team’s defensive capabilities.

Elvis Bwomono, a versatile player capable of operating as a centre-back, right-back, or even in midfield, has joined Aberdeen after a brief trial period. At 27 years old, Bwomono brings a wealth of experience, having made 43 appearances for St Mirren, where he previously played under current Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson. Robinson, who has worked with Bwomono for 18 months, expressed confidence in his new signing, stating, “He’s quick, athletic and comfortable operating in a back three, at full-back and even in midfield when needed.” This adaptability could prove invaluable as Aberdeen navigates its current challenges.

The urgency for a player like Bwomono was heightened by the recent departure of midfielder Sivert Heltne Nilsen, who was sold to FK Haugesund. Nilsen’s request to return to Norway to be closer to his family left a gap in the squad, particularly as he had made 23 appearances for Aberdeen this season, mostly as a substitute. Robinson noted, “With Sivert moving on, it was important that we added some additional cover, especially at the back where we currently have several players unavailable through injury.” This highlights the critical nature of Bwomono’s signing at this juncture.

Bwomono’s international experience also adds to his profile. He made his debut for the Uganda national team in 2020 and has since accumulated 14 caps. His international exposure could provide a fresh perspective and resilience to the squad, which is essential as they face the pressures of the league.

Upon joining Aberdeen, Bwomono expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m delighted to be here and looking forward to working with the manager again.” His eagerness to contribute to the team’s efforts is a positive sign for both the player and the club as they look to stabilize their season.

As Aberdeen continues to deal with injuries, the addition of Bwomono is seen as a crucial step in maintaining competitive performance in the league. Observers are keen to see how quickly he can integrate into the squad and whether his presence can help the team regain its footing in the Premiership.

In summary, the signing of Elvis Bwomono not only addresses immediate defensive needs but also reflects Aberdeen’s proactive approach in a challenging season. The club’s management and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds for both the player and the team.

The post Elvis Bwomono Joins Aberdeen FC Amid Injury Crisis appeared first on DG News Sport.

“When this opportunity arose, there was no way I could turn it down,” stated Stephen Robinson as he embarks on a new journey as the manager of Aberdeen Football Club. His departure from St Mirren marks a significant transition in his career, following a successful four-year tenure at the club.

Robinson’s time at St Mirren was marked by notable achievements, including leading the team to their first top-six finish in the current league structure during his first full season. Under his guidance, St Mirren achieved their highest top-flight finish since the 1984-85 season, culminating in a fifth-place finish in the William Hill Premiership. This remarkable performance not only secured a spot in European football for the first time in 37 years but also included a Premier Sports Cup victory in December.

Aberdeen Football Club, recognizing Robinson’s potential, triggered a compensation clause in his contract with St Mirren, securing his services until the summer of 2029. Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack expressed confidence in Robinson’s capabilities, describing him as a proven leader with a strong track record. Cormack emphasized the club’s desire to “re-establish a clear identity” and restore competitiveness, indicating the ambitious goals set for Robinson’s tenure.

Robinson’s appointment comes at a time when St Mirren is currently positioned 10th in the league, five points below Aberdeen. The club will now look to interim management, with Craig McLeish, Jamie Langfield, and Allan McManus taking charge until a permanent replacement is found.

In his statement, Robinson also acknowledged the rich history of Aberdeen, stating, “Aberdeen has a tremendous history and there’s no mistaking it is a huge club.” His enthusiasm for the new role reflects his understanding of the expectations that come with managing a club of Aberdeen’s stature.

As Robinson steps into his new role, he will be joined by Brian Kerr, who will serve as his assistant at Aberdeen. The duo will aim to build on the club’s legacy and work towards achieving the goals set forth by the board.

Robinson’s departure from St Mirren was met with gratitude from the club’s chairman, John Needham, who said, “I would like to place on record the club’s sincere thanks to Stephen Robinson for his tremendous contributions during his time as our manager.” This sentiment underscores the impact Robinson had during his time at St Mirren.

As the football community watches closely, the next steps for both Robinson at Aberdeen and St Mirren in finding a new manager will be pivotal in shaping the future of both clubs.

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Nicky Hogarth has signed a two-year contract extension with Falkirk, ensuring his stay at the club until June 2028. The announcement comes after Hogarth’s impressive performances, having made 44 appearances last season and four this season.

John McGlynn, the club’s manager, praised Hogarth, stating, “He’s shown everyone that he is more than capable of playing in the Premiership.” Hogarth himself expressed his pride in representing the club, saying, “Being from the area and knowing what this club means to the supporters makes it really special to represent Falkirk.”

Hogarth joined Falkirk from Nottingham Forest’s youth team in 2023 and has been a significant part of the squad, especially following Scott Bain’s arrival from Celtic, which saw him mainly on the bench.

In addition to Hogarth’s contract news, Falkirk is preparing to host St Mirren on March 21, 2026, in the William Hill Premiership. Tickets for the match are priced at £25 for adults, £19 for concessions, £13 for under 18, and £5 for under 12.

Meanwhile, concerns are growing for Thomas Wild, a 22-year-old from Falkirk, who was last seen on March 7, 2026. Inspector Simon Kinyua stated, “Thomas was last in contact with his family on Sunday, March 8, and they are becoming increasingly concerned for his well-being.”

Personal items and clothing belonging to Wild were discovered on a beach in Dalgety Bay, prompting police to conduct searches in the area and enquiries in Falkirk and Grangemouth.

The local community is rallying for information as the search continues, with authorities urging anyone with knowledge of Wild’s whereabouts to come forward.

As these developments unfold, the Falkirk community remains hopeful for both Hogarth’s continued success on the pitch and the safe return of Thomas Wild.

The post Falkirk Player Nicky Hogarth Signs Contract Extension appeared first on DG News Sport.

On Sunday evening, the draw for the Scottish Cup semi-finals took place at the SMiSA Stadium in Paisley. The matchups are set, with Celtic set to face St Mirren and Dunfermline Athletic going up against Falkirk.

St Mirren, fresh off their recent victory against Partick Thistle, where they won 2-1, will be looking to build on their momentum. This victory also followed their triumph in the Premier Sports Cup Final against Celtic, where they secured a 3-1 win, marking their first major trophy in 12 years.

Celtic will be eager to avenge their previous loss to St Mirren and will aim to progress to the final. The semi-final match is particularly significant for both teams, as they strive for a place in the prestigious final.

Dunfermline Athletic will face Falkirk in the other semi-final. Dunfermline has shown impressive form this season, having knocked out both Hibernian and Aberdeen in earlier rounds of the tournament. Their matchup against Falkirk, who are currently positioned in the top half of the William Hill Premiership, promises to be a competitive encounter.

The semi-final matches are scheduled to take place on the weekend of Saturday, April 18, 2026. Fans from all participating clubs are expected to turn out in large numbers to support their teams in this critical stage of the tournament.

Conrad Logan conducted the draw, which has generated excitement among supporters and pundits alike. The outcomes of these matches will not only determine who advances to the final but also have implications for the teams’ morale and future performances in their respective leagues.

As the tournament progresses, the stakes continue to rise, making the upcoming semi-finals a must-watch for football enthusiasts across Scotland.

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Celtic has advanced to the Scottish Cup semi-finals after a tense penalty shootout against Rangers, following a match that saw them record just one shot on goal and no shots on target. The victory came amidst a chaotic atmosphere, culminating in a pitch invasion involving approximately 7,500 Celtic supporters at Ibrox.

Police Scotland has launched an investigation into the pitch invasion, with a spokesperson stating, “A number of arrests have already been made, and Police Scotland will now work with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association to carry out a robust investigation following the scenes on the pitch at the conclusion of the match.” This incident has drawn comparisons to similar events prior to 2018.

In the semi-finals, Celtic will face St Mirren, who edged out Partick Thistle to secure their place. Meanwhile, Falkirk and Dunfermline Athletic will meet in a derby clash, with both teams having progressed after defeating Dundee United and Aberdeen, respectively.

The semi-final ties are scheduled to take place on the weekend of April 18-19, 2024, as teams vie for a spot in the final. Observers are keen to see how the ongoing investigation into the pitch invasion will affect the clubs involved and the overall atmosphere leading up to the matches.

As the situation develops, details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of the investigation and any potential consequences for the clubs or supporters involved.

The post Bbc scotland: Celtic Advances to Scottish Cup Semi-Finals Amid Controversy appeared first on DG News Sport.

The draw for the Scottish Cup semi-finals has taken place, revealing two exciting matchups. Celtic will face St Mirren, while Dunfermline Athletic is set to play against Falkirk. The matches are scheduled for the weekend of April 18, 2026.

St Mirren secured their place in the semi-finals after a 2-1 victory over Partick Thistle in the quarter-finals. This win marks a significant achievement for St Mirren, who also triumphed in the Premier Sports Cup Final in December, their first major trophy in 12 years.

The draw was conducted by Conrad Logan, a figure well-known in Scottish football, particularly for his role in Hibernian’s historic 2016 Scottish Cup win. Logan’s involvement added a touch of nostalgia to the event.

Dunfermline Athletic has demonstrated strong form this season, having knocked out both Hibernian and Aberdeen in earlier rounds. Their upcoming match against Falkirk, who currently sit in the top half of the William Hill Premiership, promises to be a competitive encounter.

Fans are eagerly anticipating these semi-final matches, with Celtic and St Mirren’s clash expected to draw significant attention. St Mirren’s recent success and Celtic’s storied history in the tournament set the stage for an intriguing battle.

As the date approaches, supporters will be keen to see how both matches unfold, with the potential for thrilling football on display. Details remain unconfirmed regarding ticket sales and matchday arrangements, which are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

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