"I love Bonnie Scotland"; Reo Hatate's superb Instagram post after fine Celtic debut

By David Walton

January 19, 2022

Reo Hatate yesterday published a superb first Instagram message to the Celtic supporters after his stunning debut against Hibernian.

The midfielder was the star of the show against Shaun Maloney’s side with a dynamic performance that earned him the man-of-the-match award come full-time. When it came to who stole the show out of Celtic’s new recruits, it’s Reo who managed to do just that.

With his passing range on full display as well as his superb dribbling ability, the Celtic fans left Parkhead wowed by Reo’s exploits. And last night on Instagram, the midfielder moved to thank the supporters as he lauded everything and everyone from the stadium to the country:

Hatate stood out as the best player on the pitch against Hibs, with the likes of Jake Doyle-Hayes and Joe Newell failing to lay a glove on him.

It was important for Celtic supporters to see such a quick adaption to the Scottish game too. Hatate played as though he’s been a part of the game in Scotland for year. You can see just how much his expansive game suits playing at Parkhead.

Of course, it was only one appearance. Next up for Hatate and co is Alloa away in the Scottish Cup before a tough trip to Tynecastle next Wednesday in the Premiership.

Reo Hatate looks ready to tackle any and all challenges at Celtic

Hatate came off for the final 15 minutes against Hibs and, even after spending a full J-League campaign with Kawasaki Frontale, he didn’t look as if he’d even broken a sweat.

It was a massively impressive engine shown by the Japanese international, who looks fully fit and ready to power ahead in 2022.

Of course, there are huge tests around the corner for Hatate. Massive games at tough venues – places where you truly make your name as a Celtic player. The likes of Tynecastle is just around the corner next Wednesday. We’ll have the likes of Pittodrie and Ibrox in the coming months too.

What Hatate represents isn’t just another option as we first thought. When you look at his all-round package, he has the difference to be a proper game-changer this season.

His man-of-the-match award wasn’t just a token gesture because he had a decent game. He was head and shoulders above everything else on that pitch. Not to mention he was everywhere. Despite being primarily an attacking-midfielder, Hatate was at times in a defensive role, on the right flank, and even at left-back on occasion.

His roaming ability certainly looks like they could be highly profitable for Celtic. Fingers crossed we only continue to see more positives from him in the weeks ahead. The early signs, however, point towards him being extremely settled.

In other news, Liam Hughes addresses his 2021 move from Celtic to Liverpool