MARTIN O’NEILL has explained Reo Hatate’s absence from Celtic’s matchday squad for the 2-1 Premiership win over Falkirk at Parkhead yesterday.
The Japanese star has yet to feature in league action this season, but made a second-half substitute’s appearance in Austria on Tuesday night.
Hatate came on for Benjamin Nygren in the 63rd minute before the roof caved in on the Hoops as they collapsed to an embarrassing 5-1 defeat to LASK to exit the Champions League on a 5-4 aggregate.
Quizzed why there was no-show from the midfielder against John McGlynn’s side, O’Neill answered: “Reo wasn’t fit to play.
“He had strained himself in training and ruled himself out of contention.”
EURO AGONY…a dismayed Reo Hatate as Celtic exit the Champions League.
O’Neill also admitted he wasn’t sure about Hatate’s long-term situation, but the champions are reportedly stepping up their interest in PSV middle-of-the-park performer Joel van den Berg.
However, the veteran team chief would not be drawn on possible signings before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
O’Neill, speaking to the Scottish Sun, said: “I’m still really hopeful we can do something.
“If we want to defend our title and do something in the Europa League we need a bit more strength in depth. That’s pretty obvious.”
Kasper Hogh missed the victory over Falkirk with a groin problem, but O’Neill hopes to have the Danish striker fit and good to go by the time Aberdeen arrive in Glasgow for Wednesday’s Premiership encounter.
Captain Callum McGregor was also missing with a stomach bug, but he, too, should be okay to face the Dons.
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