Reo Hatate is aiming to make his mark at Hampden this Sunday as Celtic face St Johnstone for a place in the Scottish Cup final.
Celtic’s Reo Hatate celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Greg Taylor and Adam Idah REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
The Japanese midfielder, who was part of the side that fell to the Perth men in the league earlier this month, is using that defeat as fuel for a response when the sides meet again—this time with a place in the final at stake.
“I want to win the Scottish Cup,” Hatate said on Celtic TV. “We played against St Johnstone and we lost against them in the last game in the league. I have to put in hard work in the next game and do my best for the team.”
Hatate admitted he has personal motivation too, having never scored at the national stadium: “I have never scored a goal at Hampden Park. I want to try and score a goal in the next game. It is important to win the next game. I have good memories at Hampden Park.”
He was on target when Kilmarnock came to town last weekend. He netted a brace, with his first goal a great hit from outside of the box.
There’s no doubting the Japanese star’s quality. When he turns up, he’s the best midfielder in Scotland. But he could be heading for the exit door this summer, if reports are to be believed.
Brendan Rodgers is looking to refresh the team, and Reo Hatate has been at the club for some time now, so it would make sense his exit.
Celtic’s midfield talisman has been central to their domestic push and will be key again this weekend, as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to avenge their recent league loss and keep hopes of another treble alive.
