Reo Hatate initially looked like he was going to have one of those performances that makes outsiders question why he hasn’t been prised away from Celtic yet.
But then, the red mist descended.
Hatate gave the Hoops the lead with an easy tap-in as Celtic drew 2-2 with Bologna and looked up for the occasion, regularly making runs to join the attack and causing the opposition defence problems.
However, two yellow cards in three minutes saw him given his marching orders as he went from hero to zero.
Martin O’Neill’s side were able to hold on for a point, but the Hoops boss must now make a huge decision against Hearts on Sunday.
- READ MORE: Five things we learned from Celtic’s draw vs Bologna as Auston Trusty shines in well-earned point
What would you do?
Can Martin O’Neill trust Reo Hatate against Hearts?
Even though it didn’t happen on the night there was every chance that Celtic could have gone on to lose the game.
Hatate’s yellow cards were both needless and completely avoidable in such a short space of time.
In both instances, the midfielder was easily wound-up by the Bologna players and fell into their trap.
Hearts would have seen that and thought to themselves that they could do the same.
Celtic cannot afford to lose, or draw, this game and having a hot-headed Hatate in the middle of the park would not bode well.
WHAT AN EFFORT! Great point or wasted opportunity?
Who replaces Reo Hatate?
The obvious replacement for Hatate would be Benjamin Nygren.
He was the player that came on in the second half to beef up the midfield against Bologna and as the top goalscorer for the Bhoys this season, would be a solid option.
Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo can also fill in if needed, but it is unlikely that they will get the nod to start.
As he isn’t suspended, Hatate can play, but starting him would not be the right thing to do.
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