Celtic’s midfield has been an issue all season long.
Unfortunately, as the crunch moments of the season arrive for Celtic, those issues don’t look like fixing themselves.
On Sunday, Celtic left it late to beat Kilmarnock, but Reo Hatate was subbed off at half-time by Martin O’Neill after another abject display.
The Japan midfielder is frustrating a lot of people, including Charlie Mulgrew, and he now wants action to be taken.
What a line-up this is? Would that have been possible?
What changes would you make?
Charlie Mulgrew is unhappy with Reo Hatate
Speaking on Go Radio, Mulgrew wants Hatate taken out of the firing line, especially ahead of a crucial Europa League clash.
Celtic host VfB Stuttgart on Thursday night, in the first leg of their Europa League play-off, and Mulgrew thinks Hatate has ‘checked out.’
The former Celtic defender explained that he is ‘glad’ Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has now signed for the Hoops, but understands that the Englishman isn’t ready for regular action.
“I think, no matter how good a player you are, if mentally you’re not on it every single game,” said Mulgrew.
“You have either checked out, or your eyes are off the ball, then you will get found out. There is no doubt about it. Hatate is a right good player.
“But we aren’t seeing anywhere near enough. Whatever is going on with him, and what he wants and what he isn’t getting or whatever. Then he isn’t adding to the squad.
“I don’t think he will play in the next match. Oxlade-Chamberlain, glad we have him in the building. I don’t know how ready he is for 90 minutes.”
Get Luke McCowan in for VfB Stuttgart Europa League clash
O’Neill has a fair few faces on the bench who are in need of some minutes and could come in for Hatate regularly.
Paulo Bernardo is somebody who probably deserved more game time. He wasn’t even in the matchday squad for the Kilmarnock match.
But Mulgrew put forward Luke McCowan’s name, and how he is capable of starting for the champions of Scotland.
“But you also have McCowan in there, who I would play McCowan,” added Mulgrew. “Chamberlain, when he is fit.
“But McCowan. You would rather players on the pitch who look like they want to be there, and are going to give it their all. You would feel that from them. McCowan is capable in possession and on the ball as well.”
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