Celtic’s draw in the Glasgow derby brought plenty of noise, but Chris Sutton focused on one man when the dust settled. Reo Hatate turned the game in the second half and dragged his side back into it when they looked short of ideas.

At the break Celtic were second best. Rangers had pressed high and won their duels. Callum McGregor was crowded out and the front line barely held the ball. The tempo was wrong and the midfield lacked bite.


Hatate’s introduction shifted that. He took the ball on the half-turn and played forward early. Rangers had to drop a few yards. That alone changed the picture. Celtic began to build attacks with purpose rather than hope.

His late penalty miss could have defined the afternoon. Instead, he reacted first to the rebound and forced it over the line. It was scruffy. It was also deserved given his impact. Sutton saw it that way.


Sutton’s point about control was clear in the way Celtic held the ball after the restart. Hatate played closer to McGregor, which stopped Rangers stepping straight through midfield. That small tweak gave Celtic territory and forced Rangers into deeper positions.

The former striker also mentioned Martin O’Neill’s role. The changes came early enough to affect the flow of the match. Waiting another ten minutes would have suited Rangers, who were comfortable and organised.

1st March 2026; Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Celtic interim manager Martin ONeill

Hatate still has work to do over the rest of the season. His standards have dipped at times and that has been obvious. Yet this was a reminder of what he offers when he is sharp and brave on the ball.

Celtic left with a point that keeps the title picture alive. They did it by fixing the midfield battle and trusting a player who has taken criticism. On this showing, Hatate answered it.