Reo Hatate has just shown Celtic exactly why he’ll be missed if he leaves

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The speculation surrounding Reo Hatate’s Celtic future has been brewing for weeks.

The Japanese midfielder struggled to get into Martin O’Neill’s Celtic starting XI in the title run in and was completely left out of the Scottish Cup final matchday squad against Dunfermline.

However, Hatate fuelled further rumours after he was posted missing from Celtic’s official return to pre-season training last week.

And now, the midfield playmaker has shown the club exactly what will be missed if Hatate does eventually leave Celtic this summer.

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Reo Hatate reports for Celtic pre-season training

Celtic posted photos of more players returning to pre-season training this morning and Hatate was among them.

Regardless of how people feel about how Hatate’s season ended with Celtic last season, the Japan international has shown great professionalism here.

Hatate has returned to training with no fuss, no toys being thrown out of the pram and no public spats. The Celtic midfielder has simply got on with it and looks ready to fight for his place.

If Hatate stays, Celtic have a huge opportunity

Hatate was linked with a return to the J League this summer as reports of a possible return to Kashima Antlers were mooted.

However, if he does stay, Celtic and Martin O’Neill have two huge opportunities ahead of them.

The first is that Hatate, when on top of his game, brings real quality to this Celtic team. Who can forget the midfielder who dominated Rangers, scored in huge Champions League nights and became one of Celtic’s most influential players?

Secondly, if the midfielder gets back to the player that he was, the transfer fee Celtic could command if Hatate still wishes to exit Glasgow will be vastly superior to the one they would get based on his form last season.

Until the right offer arrives, Celtic fans should enjoy having one of the best midfielders they have seen in the modern era wearing the Hoops.