Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou was delighted with the performance of Reo Hatate today after playing an unfamiliar role in the 4-1 win over St Johnstone.
Hatate was drafted in as a right-back for the visit of the Perth team following an injury to Anthony Ralston mid-week, with no others in the position being available.
The Japanese star had previously been deployed as a left-back in the J-League but this was a career first for him and he performed excellently, defending solidly and getting up the pitch to score two class goals.
Asked about his impact after the match, Postecoglou told BBC Radio Scotland [15:10]: “He was great. His overall performance was really strong. He had to do some defending. He’s not a full-back, he’s a midfielder and he had to take up certain positions defensively, which I think he did. He also had the freedom to play his football going forward, which he also did.
“Credit to him. When I spoke to him about it yesterday he was all in. He said no problem, whatever you need, he’ll do. He made the role his own. As I said, credit to him.”
Then asked about whether Hatate will be in place for the upcoming game against Hibernian at Easter Road, Postecoglou responded: “We’ll see how Tony is. Tony is going with his recovery. He’s got four days. We’ll get Josip in post-Christmas as well at some stage – he probably won’t be ready for Hibs. We’ll decide closer to it.”
It at least sounds like the injury suffered by Ralston is not serious, if he has a chance of making the trip to Ediburgh, so that’s a real positive.
Getting Juranovic back in the building is another boost, though we should wait and see how his calf is holding up after missing Croatia’s third-place play-off victory against Morocco.
Hatate’s performance today was pleasing, though, so there should be no fear in giving him another go at the job on Wednesday night if it comes down to it.
By January 2nd, Alistair Johnston will also be able to make his competitive debut for the club, so thankfully there is no long-term crisis at right-back.
In other news, Former Celtic Invincible hero Craig Gordon suffers serious Saturday injury.
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