Joe Hart makes claim about Celtic hero Reo Hatate in Champions League but says it ‘is not a criticism’

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There is no doubt Celtic were off the boil in last night’s Champions League draw with Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.

Celtic huffed and puffed against Dinamo Zagreb who were hit by a severe injury crisis ahead of matchday six in the Champions League.

However, Zagreb earned a draw as Brendan Rodgers rued a missed opportunity for Celtic and one of the players who was not quite at the races last night was profiled by Joe Hart as he explained why he was not criticising the Hoops hero.

Joe Hart talks about ‘hit-and-miss’ Celtic hero Reo Hatate

Reo Hatate has been blowing hot and cold for Celtic this season. After Hatate scored the Bhoys’ winning goal against Aberdeen, the Japan international should have been full of confidence heading into the Zagreb game.

However, with misplaced passes and looking like he was a yard off it, Hart explains why Hatate’s form can look erratic in the heart of the Celtic midfield.

Hart told TNT Football, “I think he could be even more hit-and-miss and that’s not a criticism. That’s because he’s got Paulo Bernardo, he’s got Callum McGregor behind him.

“He’s not really having to think about going back. He’s a player who will try things, they might not come off, but when they do, he slices through defences.

“I think he’s going to have a license tonight to try those passes, especially in the final third, and if he can catch fire tonight, that could be the real key for Celtic.”

Reo Hatate’s Champions League and Scottish Premiership Celtic form

When he’s on his game, Hatate can be unplayable at Celtic. Unfortunately, it looks like he is having a yo-yo season at the moment as his form peaks and troughs.

So just how well has the Japan international been playing for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership and Champions League this season?

As you can see, there is a bit of work for Hatate to do to hit the high standards he set when he first arrived at Celtic.

So the question now remains, will the Celtic midfielder start against Rangers in the League Cup final?