Ryan Kent will destroy Celtic player lined up to oppose him v Rangers – Hoops expert
Frank McAvennie doesn’t want to see Celtic play Reo Hatate at right-back against Rangers.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker claimed Hatate will struggle against the likes of Ryan Kent.
As shown on Sky Sports (24 December), despite playing at right-back, the 25-year-old scored twice to help the Hoops secure a 4-1 win over St Johnstone.
The midfielder was once again redeployed at right-back for the 4-0 win over Hibernian on Wednesday (28 December) and provided the assist for the Celts’ fourth goal.
Anthony Ralston, who had been filling in for Juranovic after the World Cup break, picked up an injury just after the restart in the 2-1 win over Livingston and has been unavailable since.
Josip Juranovic was an unused substitute in the game after returning from his third place World Cup finish.
Now that the transfer window has opened, Canadian right-back Alistair Johnston has officially joined the club and will be available to face Rangers on Monday (2 January).
When asked if Ange Postecoglou will utilise Hatate at right-back even with other options, McAvennie told Football Insider: “I do not think so.
“It is just a makeshift. Obviously Lee Johnson had identified that we did not have a proper right-back and eight out of ten times Hibs were able to get past him.
“It is great when Celtic are going forward because he is aware of what is happening behind him.
“But, going forward against Rangers and Ryan Kent, I do not want him. He will be destroyed.”
In other news, a Celtic expert is thrilled by what he’s seen from Mooy as Sky footage screened.