FORMER CELTIC STRIKER Chris Sutton has revealed that Reo Hatate is his favourite Celtic player at the moment, and the Japanese star will inject fear into the Ibrox side.
Celtic fans will be hoping that Reo Hatate can make the looming derby, missing the trip to Dingwall through injury. He should get the all-clear, though, with Ange Postecoglou admitting he just missed the 2-0 win on Sunday after returning to training on Friday.
Hatate has had a phenomenal season with Celtic, and has reached a new level since the world cup break, especially in the attacking third of the pitch.
If the 25–year–old playmaker is fit, he could be the key to another derby win at Paradise.
Chris Sutton admitted he wasn’t in the know of the fitness levels, but is hoping that the midfielder will get the green light for the match on Saturday.
Revealing that Hatate is an integral part of Celtic’s team, he told the RecordSport podcast:
“I don’t know how fit they are, that’s the biggest issue. Mooy had a bit of a slow start but he’s been a really important signing for Ange Postecoglou.
“The manager keeps his cards close to chest when it comes to injuries so you never really know. In terms of Hatate, I think he’s been Celtic’s most important player this season. When he is in the side, Celtic seem a lot quicker moving through the midfield. McGregor is so important at starting the moves but Hatate is really integral.
“At this moment in time, Hatate is my player of the year in Scotland. I know Kyogo has scored the goals and Cameron Carter-Vickers has been an absolute rock. But Hatate is the key man. He’s also the man Rangers fear most – I really believe that. It would be a relief to the Rangers team if he doesn’t make it.”
Punters would be tempted to patch up Hatate an chuck him in given the magnitude of Saturday. But Sutton said: “If he’s not fully fit I wouldn’t risk him. Celtic can afford to lose three games and still win the league so there would be no point in risking further injury and missing more games. There’s also the Scottish Cup semi-final to think about.”
