John Hartson believes that Brendan Rodgers could take a major gamble on Saturday when it comes to Celtic’s team selection.

The former Celtic striker believes that Reo Hatate could start in midfield over Bernardo, despite his impressive outing and maiden goal against Dundee on Boxing Day.

The 26-year-old midfielder, recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in a Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid in October, has returned to training and Brendan Rodgers hasn’t ruled out his involvement in the game.

Speaking on Go Radio, John Hartson said, “I think Hatate, if he has trained for a week or so and he has trained with the first team, then I think Brendan might just throw a red herring in there and start Hatate.

“If he has proved on the training ground that his injury is holding up and he won’t be match sharp, because you think about it McGregor, O’Riley and if you can have a Hatate in there, then you probably have a three-quarters Hatate over Turnbull or a Bernardo.

“I just have a sneaky feeling. I told you a couple of weeks ago on here, when everybody was almost ruling Hatate out, I said don’t be surprised if he makes it.”

Celtic’s recent midfield trio, comprising Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, and Paulo Bernardo, has been functioning effectively. This raises questions about the necessity of altering a winning combination. Paired with the fact that Rodgers didn’t seem too keen on Hatate at times, starting David Turnbull over the Japanese midfielder.

Never say never, but I think it’s doubtful that Hatate will start the match, but I would be surprised to see his name on the bench.