Mark Wilson couldn’t believe what Reo Hatate did in first minute of Celtic cup final v Rangers

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Celtic didn’t make life easy for themselves as they overcame Rangers in the League Cup final.

Everyone has been used to Celtic looking and playing like they are a cut above the opposition, but they had to answer different questions at Hampden on Sunday.

To be fair to all involved, despite the patchy nature of their display, even falling behind early on and letting two leads slip.

Celtic deservedly beat Rangers on penalties and showcased a mental toughness and winning mentality that the opposition can only dream of.

Brendan Rodgers made a change at half-time when he hooked off Auston Trusty for Liam Scales because he wasn’t happy with the team’s build-up play.

But, inside the first minute, Mark Wilson noticed that Celtic were already making life difficult for themselves and it was proven by Reo Hatate’s actions.

Mark Wilson on Reo Hatate giving the ball away

Even Callum McGregor admitted Celtic weren’t at their best and you sense the midfield was a big reason behind it all.

Wilson shared that, inside the first minute, Hatate tried to control the ball near the corner and he proceeded to miscontrol it for a goal kick, as he told Open Goal.

The Japan star played the entire game, including smashing his penalty kick into the corner during the shootout.

“It must be a sickener for Rangers,” said Wilson. “Are you going to get Celtic as bad as that again? Probably not and you still can’t beat them.

“Top players just gave the ball away time and time again. Hatate started poorly. Right from what was it the first minute, throw into Hatate’s feet in the corner, he goes to control it and it goes out for a goal kick. You are thinking f____ing hell.”

Does Hatate need a rest?

Celtic have played non-stop since returning from the final international break of 2024 – and remember, Hatate was on international duty and had to travel across the world.

There is no doubt that he is a key player for Rodgers and will continue to be that as the season goes on.

But perhaps Rodgers needs to rest the 27-year-old, especially with Luke McCowan, who was cup-tied for the final, waiting in the wings and chomping at the bit to start.

The games are coming thick and fast for the Bhoys, with Premiership action on top of Premiership action, before that Ibrox meeting with Rangers on January 2.