Kris Boyd has been an unlikely backer of Reo Hatate in recent times despite his Celtic struggles.
Before Celtic’s draw at Rangers on Sunday, Boyd pointed the finger at the players around Hatate and how they aren’t good enough to be on his level, rather than taking aim at the midfielder.
And then, when Hatate produced a stellar performance at Ibrox, Boyd was quick to give the Japan star his flowers, despite the Celtic fans previously being on his back.
“I have got to say, Celtic fans have been on him now for a number of months, and I don’t think his performances have been anywhere near the level of what he has shown before,” said Boyd.
“But Reo Hatate, when he came on in that second half, showed how good a footballer he is. I thought he was outstanding.”
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WHAT. A. COMEBACK.
Kris Boyd says Reo Hatate ‘changed the game’ for Celtic at Ibrox
Don’t get it twisted, Celtic fans have been right to get on Hatate’s back because there is a reason why he was on the bench for such a huge game against Rangers.
But he turned back the clock in this pivotal title race by taking ‘control of the game’, and changing the outcome for the champions of Scotland, as Boyd told Sky Sports Football (01/03/26).
“I have got to say, Celtic fans have been on him now for a number of months, and I don’t think his performances have been anywhere near the level of what he has shown before,” said Boyd.
“But Reo Hatate, when he came on in that second half, showed how good a footballer he is. I thought he was outstanding.
“In terms of the football, he got control of that game. In the first half, Rangers dominated that area. Celtic couldn’t live with them.
“When the changes were made at half-time, Reo Hatate coming on changed the game.”
Hatate’s numbers against Rangers
It’s now interesting to see whether Hatate will start for Celtic against Aberdeen on Wednesday night, because he is surely in for a shout.
But looking at the bigger picture, if the Ange Postecoglou signing can consistently find that old form, then Celtic have a real chance of winning the title.
- Minutes played: 45
- Goals: 1
- Total shots: 6
- Key passes: 2
- Accurate passes: 27/28
- Passes in the opposition half: 14/15
- Touches: 42
- Carries: 11
- Clearances: 2
- Blocked shots: 1
- Aerial duels won: 1
- Recoveries: 6
- Sofascore: 6.9
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