Michael Stewart gives Celtic star ‘get-out’ after what he did vs Kilmarnock, it was a howler

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Celtic got the job done yesterday evening with their win over Kilmarnock.

The Scottish Cup tie threw up what could have been a sticky fixture but ended up being a fairly dominant victory even if the scoreline suggested otherwise.

Brendan Rodgers was pleased with the victory as he claimed it was the ideal preparation for Celtic‘s coming Champions League tie with Young Boys this coming Wednesday.

Callum McGregor‘s stinger opened the scoring for his side in the first-half before Bobby Wales levelled for Kilmarnock.

Daizen Maeda would win the game for Celtic with a goal which infuriated Derek McInnes as the Killie boss felt his side were owed a free-kick in the build-up when it was the Hoops who were awarded one, from which they scored.

• READ MORE: Celtic told what they could ‘definitely’ have done better in narrow Kilmarnock victory

Reo Hatate missed a sitter for Celtic inside six yards

It was a win in the end but it could have been more comfortable had the Hoops taken their opportunities when they presented themselves.

One player in particular was guilty of spurning a glorious chance with the scoreline at 1-0 which could have had the Scottish Cup holders on easy street before the break.

Reo Hatate was given the simple task of tapping in an Arne Engels cross from the right-flank with the goal gaping on the half-hour mark.

However, from inside the six-yard box, the Japanese midfielder somehow ballooned the ball over the crossbar when it looked easier to bury it.

It was an incredible miss from the 27-year-old who was also thwarted by a terrific Kieran O’Hara save later in the game.

Michael Stewart made excuses for Reo Hatate’s Celtic miss

But speaking on Premier Sports‘ commentary for the action, former Hearts and Hibs midfielder Michael Stewart made an excuse for the playmaker and claimed a bobble from the delivery made it difficult for Hatate to find the net.

“It’s a great move, Fraser Murray just couldn’t sort his feet out,” Stewart said.

“Engels puts it into a brilliant area.

“To give Reo Hatate a little it of a get-out, it’s bouncing in there at a fair rate of knots.

“But he should still be finding the back of the net, mind you!”