REO HATATE scored a screamer of a goal as Celtic overcame Aberdeen 2-0 at Pittodrie in the second Premiership game of the season on August 10.
It looked as though the gifted midfielder was putting down a marker for the entire campaign as he made his bid for success at the champions to guarantee a place in Japan’s World Cup Finals squad this summer.
Alas, the player’s intentions have not gone to script as Hatate’s form dipped alarmingly to diminish any hopes of involvement with his national team in the soccer extravaganza in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
BLAME IT ON REO…the Celtic midfielder cuts a frustrated figure.
However, there was a flicker of the playmaker’s genuine form when he came on as a substitute at Ibrox on Sunday with the Hoops trailing 2-0 and staring defeat in the face.
Following the previous weekend’s 2-1 home reverse against Hibs, it appeared any chance of a fifth successive title was slipping away from the Parkhead club.
Hatate, though, teamed up with skipper Callum McGregor and Benjamin Nygren as the visitors turned the derby on its head and Kieran Tierney threw the team a lifeline with a superb header following a cute ball from the Swede.
It was left to the revitalised middle-of-the park performer to squeeze in the late equaliser after twice being thwarted by Jack Butland at a penalty-kick.
Martin O’Neill will play Hatate from the start in tonight’s crucial clash against Aberdeen at Pittodrie and the Irishman has thrown down the gauntlet to his player.
THE EQUALISER…Reo Hatate just beats Daizen Maeda to poke the ball over the line after being twice thwarted by keeper Jack Butland at Ibrox.
The 74-year-old interim-manager said: “Reo has to get the best out of himself.
“He’s been a really fine footballer here.
“It’s been a tough old season for him. It’s been a tough old season for the football club.”
O’Neill, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “If he could maintain that form, then he can be an asset to us.
“But that would really be up to the player as much as anything.
“He gets all the encouragement in the world from us.”
Over to you, Reo.
*DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from Aberdeen v Celtic this evening – only in your champion CQN.
LOOKING FOR A PERFECT GIFT FOR ST.PATRICK’S DAY? Celtic Confidential is the stunning new book that brings the exclusive inside stories behind the headlines. Alex Gordon’s sixteenth Celtic book is available NOW. Order a copy and get £5 OFF the cover price of £25. All is revealed in a sensational new publication. Just click SHOP HERE and your book will be on its way. Happy St Patrick’s Day!
