Celtic expert ‘saw’ Reo Hatate at Parkhead celebrations amid Twitter meltdown
Frank McAvennie has insisted Reo Hatate was at the Celtic Park title celebrations at the weekend.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said he “saw” Hatate at Parkhead during the celebrations after winning the Scottish Premiership title for the second time under Ange Postecoglou.
Some eagle-eyed fans on Twitter spotted that the 25-year-old did not appear in the Celts’ team photo on the Celtic Way after they returned to Glasgow from their 2-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle.
The midfielder could also not be seen in winners photo taken on the Parkhead pitch and rumours swirled that the beloved Japanese international could be on the move.
On 29 March, Football Insider revealed that Brighton are plotting to sign Hatate this summer and have scouted him throughout the season.
But McAvennie insisted fans have nothing to worry about.
“I saw him at Celtic Park so he was there,” he told Football Insider.
“There are a lot of stories but he might have just been given some time off.
“There is no way he is going to miss the Rangers game, he has got a cup final coming up. Even if he is going to a Premier League club, he can’t go anywhere at the moment.
“Ange is a football guy and I do not think he would have anything to do with anyone wanting to distract Hatate from the Rangers game and the cup final. Not just that but the three or four games in between, it is just disrespectful.
“There is a long summer and if there is going to be moves that is when it will be. I hope he does not go because he is one of our stalwarts but he is not going anywhere right now.
“Wherever he is going, it is for personal reasons. It is certainly not for a move because Ange would not accept that.“
In other news, Celtic favourite likely to agree Premier League move.