Martin O’Neill has opened up on Reo Hatate’s place in the Celtic squad following a lack of playing time.
Hatate has played 17 minutes across the last four games, with his last start coming against Dundee United.
It looks increasingly likely that the midfielder is one of the Celtic players destined to leave this summer, however, O’Neill has looked to reassure the 28-year-old.
How much would you sell Reo Hatate for?
Martin O’Neill admits competition for places is tough for Hatate
At times, Hatate has looked a level above everyone in Scotland. That day doesn’t come around often enough, though, and while the Celtic manager is a fan of his, O’Neill admitted that competition for places makes it hard when it comes to selection decisions.
“Reo is a fine footballer,” he told RecordSport.
“I think two seasons ago he’d be one of the best in Scotland really. Midfield players tend to go through these little periods where you can’t do anything wrong. But you make three or four mistakes in a match in relatively quick succession and then you lose a bit of confidence and things like that.
“But he’ll be around at this minute. You’re hoping that the competition for places… you’ve got Arne coming back now from injury and you’ve got Alex trying to get up to speed all the time and making an impact.
“Even if he (Oxlade-Chamberlain) never kicked another ball for us, he’s won two matches for us by scoring the goals. Part of me is actually quite pleased that it’s been hard for players to pick up the speed here. Because sometimes people think (Scottish football) will be easy.”
Where will Reo Hatate go next?
Premier League clubs had been sniffing around Hatate in the past but it feels like that ship has sailed due to his downturn in form.
Staying in Europe and moving to a top five league is definitely plausible; however, no side competing in continental competitions are likely to take a punt on him.
Kyogo Furuhashi proved that the grass isn’t always greener and the 28-year-old will have to think carefully about the final big move of his career.
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