Celtic’s Reo Hatate was snubbed once more by Hajime Moriyasu on Thursday, remaining an unused substitute as Japan beat Saudi Arabia 2-0.
During the last international break, the central midfielder travelled to the Far East only not to be involved against China and Bahrain.
This time around, he at least made the bench against the Saudis but didn’t get the opportunity to register his tenth senior cap for his country.
He will hope to get some minutes when Australia travel to Saitama tomorrow morning.
Although it is frustrating to be continually left as a substitute, the 26-year-old is happy to be in the squad and wants to do his best to help the team improve.
With Moriyasu lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation the last few matches, it has been suggested in Japan [Life] that Hatate could take up a berth in the left or right wing-back roles.
At his old club, Kawasaki Frontale, the midfielder was adept at left back and has played right back a few times for Celtic. On each occasion, he performed adeptly and would undoubtedly have no qualms doing so again.
At the beginning of the current campaign, the central midfielder hasn’t particularly ignited Celtic’s fire.
With two goals and an assist, though, he has shown his talent in flashes. Amidst significant competition from the likes of Arne Engels and Paulo Bernardo, though, Hatate must showcase his abilities more consistently.
