Celtic handed ‘big’ boost after Reo Hatate latest – ‘they will keep it quiet,’ says expert
Frank McAvennie is hopeful Reo Hatate will return to the Celtic lineup for the semi-final showdown against Rangers on Sunday.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker insisted the club will keep Hatate’s fitness quiet ahead of the game at Hampden.
The 25-year-old has missed the last four Scottish Premiership games for the Hoops after picking up an injury in the first half of the 3-1 win over Hibernian last month (18 March).
Speaking to club media (25 April), Ange Postecoglou said Hatate, alongside fellow injured player Jota and Liel Abada, is due to train all week and he will “see how they go” ahead of Sunday’s game.
Hatate has been an integral part of Postecoglou’s team this season having made 38 appearances across all competitions so far, with eight goals and nine assists in those outings.
When asked if Hatate will be available for the Hampden clash, McAvennie told Football Insider: “I think so.
“I am hoping so. Celtic will keep that quiet.
“I believe Hatate, [Tomoki] Iwata and [Callum] McGregor are the best midfield, they are the three that I would love to see playing together. I think that will happen next year.
“Jota is a big miss as well when he is not playing.
“We always thought that the players at Celtic were like for like, but see when they are off form a little bit, you notice it.“
The Hoops are heading into the Scottish Cup semi-final having already secured the League Cup and are one win away from winning their second league title under Postecoglou.
But it will be their first game following their 1-1 draw with Motherwell last weekend, with their semi-final opponents also having dropped points at the weekend.
In other news, Celtic and Sunderland race to sign striker.