Competition in midfield at Celtic has never been stronger but it’s beginning to create difficult situations for some players.
Reo Hatate is one of them.
The Japanese international has featured just once in the last four matches, finding himself edged out as Martin O’Neill leans on other options.
From a squad perspective, it’s healthy.
Depth, rotation and minimal drop-off are exactly what you want in a title run-in.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain showed his impact from off the bench at the weekend, adding some composure to the midfield.
But for players, like Hatate, it’s a different story.
O’Neill has already moved to calm any concerns, describing Hatate as a “fine footballer” and reiterating his belief in the midfielder’s quality.
Not everyone is convinced that tells the full story.
Frank McAvennie has added fuel to the debate, revealing what he’s been hearing behind the scenes.
Speaking on his Let Me Be Frank podcast, he said: “I got told that he isn’t Martin’s favourite.
“But I am thinking, I feel he is one of our best midfield players.”
Hatate’s ability is not in doubt, but his current role is.
With players like Arne Engels, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Luke McCowan all pushing for minutes, places are limited.
And right now, Hatate is the one missing out.
Whether that changes in the final weeks could be significant.
Because in a tight title race, one moment, one player with the ability to change the game like Hatate can, can shift everything.
