Reo Hatate’s continued spell on the sidelines has caused a lot of debate, but Celtic’s success without him might just be adding another layer to Martin O’Neill’s managerial genius.
The Japanese star has remained rooted to the bench for the last three games, including the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden, yet Celtic have marched towards win after win.
O’Neill is already proving his elite man-management skills, with his ruthless handling of the Kelechi Iheanacho situation, who is the best striker at the club, but just isn’t fit to play.
For one reason or another, O’Neill feels that Hatate isn’t needed; you even had Frank McAvennie being told that he isn’t the manager’s favourite, with his last appearance coming off the bench against St Mirren in the Premiership on April 11.
But with Celtic’s showdown against Rangers around the corner, should all of that now change?
Would you like to see Reo Hatate feature against Rangers?
Hatate has been an unused sub for three matches in a row!
Should Reo Hatate return for Celtic against Rangers?
For most of the season, Hatate simply hasn’t been at his best.
You even had Peter Grant recently criticise Hatate’s ‘body language’ after he didn’t come off the bench at Hampden when six subs were used.
However, as Celtic have proven time and time again, this season, everyone loves a dramatic story.
With the Hoops and Hearts seemingly left to battle it out for the title, Rangers are now hanging by a thread heading into this weekend’s pivotal Glasgow derby.
Could this be the perfect moment for O’Neill to unleash his midfield maestro once again?
| Hatate’s games under O’Neill | Starts | Goals | Assists |
| 25 | 15 | 4 | 3 |
Despite his overall inconsistencies, Hatate has turned up against Rangers. He performed admirably during his two stints at Ibrox this season, notably making a massive impact with a crucial cameo from the bench during March’s tense 2-2 draw.
One more monumental performance from the Ange Postecoglou signing could prove to be absolutely vital in this nervy, titanic and dramatic title race in Scotland.
Andy Halliday has already predicted Hatate’s return against Rangers
Before Celtic’s win over Hibernian at the weekend, Andy Halliday was discussing Hatate’s situation and not being used again by O’Neill.
The Motherwell midfielder, who is a Rangers supporter, listened to Celtic pundits criticise the man from Japan, but made it clear that he would return for the Glasgow derby.
Whether he starts or makes a devastating impact off the bench, if Hatate delivers against Rangers, it will undoubtedly go down as yet another tactical masterstroke from O’Neill.
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