Former Celtic striker turned pundit Chris Sutton has hit out with high praise for one particular Hoops star.
Ahead of this weekend, the Englishman has outlined how critical midfield trio Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, and Reo Hatate will be in the Glasgow derby, stating that if they are on form, the Bhoys will all but wrap up the title against their city rivals.
He particularly praised the latter, admitting that Hatate has been a significant loss this season, a point that is difficult to argue with.
Indeed, throughout the campaign so far, the 26-year-old has played 17 out of a possible 46 matches.
The Japanese midfielder has missed 63% of the season, his absence (and that of his teammates) proving evident in some of the Bhoys’ results and performances earlier in 2023/24.
Since he has returned, though, Hatate has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the team, making three goals and scoring another in his last six games.
Sutton sang his praises in his latest RecordSport column: “Hatate is just a fabulous talent”, he said.
“He’s been a massive miss for Celtic this season during his spells out injured. He keeps the ball so well, he can affect the tempo of a game and he can spot a killer pass as well as put the ball in the net.”
