Reo Hatate makes Japan vow as Celtic midfielder takes in first training session

Add as preferred source on Google

A Japan call-up for Reo Hatate has been a long time coming. The Celtic midfielder was snubbed by Hajime Moriyasu for the Qatar World Cup last November and he has promised to ‘show his worth’ in the upcoming matches against Peru and El Salvador.

Hatate said [Soccer Hihyo], “I’ve always wanted to be selected, so there’s no change in that now or in the past.

“I received recognition for what I do on a daily basis, so it’s meaningless if I don’t show that, so I hope I can show that.

“I went over there [to Celtic] and this season I was looking for numbers, so I think I’ve clearly shown more than last year.

“I’ve given myself tasks in attack and defence, such as playing near the penalty area, so I think I’m getting better in those areas, although I still have a long way to go.

“I think I’m getting better. I think they [Japan coaching staff] appreciated those things and called me back in.

‘It’s not just two matches, but every match I’m highly motivated. I am motivated on a daily basis.

“It’s the attacking position that I play in my own team, so I would like to play in that position. I will show my worth on the pitch at Toyota and Suita.”

Fighting talk from Hatate. The Celtic midfielder is clearly determined to make a good impression on Hajime Moriyasu in an effort to show him what he missed out on in the last international window.

Hatate has been in brilliant form for Celtic this season. His performances domestically and in the Champions League led to the 25-year-old being nominated for the player of the year.

Unfortunately for him, his fellow countryman, Kyogo Furuhashi was in sparkling goalscoring form as Celtic swept up every domestic honour this season.

Hatate has been linked to a move to Spurs where Ange Postecoglou is rumoured to want to make him one of his first signings, but Celtic will not entertain any bids unless it matches their ‘significant valuation’ of their star player.

In other news, Report: Celtic’s Reo Hatate stance amid Spurs rumours