Celtic expert shares exciting Reo Hatate verdict – ‘Like a new signing’
Reo Hatate will be “like a new signing” for Celtic when he returns from his latest injury setback.
Speaking to the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast, former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie claimed the central midfielder will return to the starting line-up upon his return after making just one league appearance in the last 20 games.
The 26-year-old missed 11 successive games between August and December with a hamstring injury but regained fitness ahead of the Asian Cup in January and February.
However, it was confirmed that he would miss a further six weeks after picking up another hamstring setback in Japan’s Asian Cup win over Bahrain early last month, but he is expected back in the coming weeks.
Reo Hatate will be a “breath of fresh air” for Celtic
Across just 11 outings for the Hoops this season, he has bagged two goals and provided two assists.
McAvennie, who is well-connected to Celtic, was confident he would return to make an impact and help change the Hoops’ fortunes.
“Hatate will be playing,” he told the Insider Track Podcast.
“He will be like a new signing when he comes back.
“He will be a breath of fresh air when he comes back into the side, I can’t wait.”
Celtic remain second in the Scottish top flight after their 2-0 defeat against Hearts on Sunday (3 March), but are still just two points behind Rangers after their loss to Motherwell on Saturday (2 March).
They are next in action against Livingston in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals on Sunday (10 March).
In other news, Celtic transfer news: Second star could leave Parkhead after bid accepted – sources.
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