Despite his obvious bias, it‘s no surprise that Barry Ferguson is singing the praises of Celtic midfielder, Reo Hatate. However, he did quickly move on to hoping the player would be sold.

The former Ibrox player is full of admiration for the twenty–five year old, who has only been playing professionally for around three years.

Hatate has been one of the stand–out players in Scotland this season, and has been praised for his passing range, his aggression, and his ability to get stuck into the ‘dirty side‘ of the game. He has also shown an impressive goal–scoring capability, popping up with a few goals in recent games.

Given his talent and potential, Ferguson believes Hatate will fetch top dollar if he is sold in the summer and would actively like it to happen.

It‘s clear that Reo is going to get better and Ferguson was full of praise during his most recent 

“Reo Hatate is up there. I think he‘s a quality operator for what, £1.8million? He‘s only been a professional for three years. He‘s one that Celtic will get top dollar for, hopefully in the summer!

“Is he the on–form player in Scotland? He‘s one of them, there‘s no doubt. He‘s added goals in the last few games. He‘s always popped up with a few, but has added more. Hopefully he has a quiet weekend…

“Listen, he‘s got all the tools. I like his passing range, he can get about and he‘s an aggressive wee guy as well. He can get stuck in and do the dirty side of the game.

“He‘s definitely a player. I think he‘s getting better and better and better.”

Hatate seems to be hitting his stride this season and could be a game changer during the League Cup Final on Sunday against the Ibrox club. The Japanese midfielder is playing on a different level to most in the league at this point.

Barry might want Reo to move on, but he was right that when the midfielder does leave the building, it will be for a massive fee.