Reo Hatate’s ‘downing tools’ critics are right, but Celtic star must start against Rangers at Ibrox

Add as preferred source on Google

There probably hasn’t been anyone more frustrating to watch than Reo Hatate at Celtic.

Not just this season, but throughout his career in Glasgow, the Celtic supporters know that on his day, not many players can touch him.

But during this campaign, Hatate has been accused of ‘downing tools’ by pundits like Frank McAvennie and Chris Sutton, because he has produced morale-sapping performance after morale-sapping performance, and they are right!

Bearing that in mind, it probably makes logical sense for Hatate to be on the bench for Celtic’s clash against Rangers on Sunday.

But Martin O’Neill should ignore what has happened with Hatate in recent months and start him against the Gers.

• READ MORE: James McFadden explains that Reo Hatate’s body language is an issue for Martin O’Neill at Celtic

What changes would you make to Callum’s predicted XI to face Rangers? 🤔

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Class is permanent with Reo Hatate ahead of Celtic’s trip to Rangers

There has been a lot of negativity at Celtic this season, but let’s be honest, winning at Rangers and then using that as a springboard to win the title will certainly calm the waters.

Yes, someone like Hatate will, more than likely, leave in the summer, and it probably suits all parties if he does because he can no longer produce over a whole season.

But that doesn’t mean the 28-year-old still can’t produce in a one-off match, and this is where it’s time for a last dance from the Japanese maestro.

Remember, only recently, O’Neill stated that, after talks with Hatate, the player wants to ‘knuckle down’, given what has happened this season.

So, let’s trust in O’Neill’s words, start Hatate, back him to produce, know that if he does, then he’s better than any midfielder Celtic can put out there.

Even Kris Boyd has stated this season that Hatate has ‘run the game’ in Glasgow derbies before, so why not do it one last time?

Who starts in midfield for Celtic at Ibrox?

There should be two certain starters.

Captain Callum McGregor, who played the entire match as Celtic beat Stuttgart in Germany on Thursday night, but still bowed out of the Europa League.

Then this is free-scoring midfielder Benjamin Nygren, who might not produce much with the ball, but he is certainly effective without it.

It’s then a debate of who sits next to them? The case has been made for Hatate, but you also have the control and experience of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Or even boyhood Celtic fan Luke McCowan, who scored the only goal of the game in Stuttgart in midweek, and produced a strong display.