Tony Watt delivers brutal verdict on Reo Hatate’s Celtic form

Tony Watt has questioned Reo Hatate’s commitment during the latter stages of his Celtic career, suggesting the midfielder’s mentality changed after Ange Postecoglou departed the club.

With Hatate widely expected to move on this summer if a suitable offer arrives, Watt believes the Japanese international’s standards dropped significantly compared to the levels he previously produced in Glasgow.

Despite insisting Hatate was capable of outperforming Arne Engels at his peak, the former Celtic striker argued the midfielder no longer displayed the same desire and accused him of appearing to lose motivation after missing out on a transfer.

Speaking on Clyde Superscoreboard, Watt said: ’I think that’s almost a fact.”

“I think Hatate was top, top tier, but it’s similar to Kyogo and Maeda.”

“I think these Japanese guys come over and know that they’re only going to be at Celtic for a few years.”

“They want to kick on. I think Hatate – similar to Maeda – didn’t get his move. He was linked with Saudi last year, he was linked with Ligue 1 in France.”

“I don’t want to start putting things out there, but I think Hatate looked as if he’d chucked it last year. At the tail end of the season…”

“I just think, looking at him from a Celtic perspective, he just looked as if he was doing Celtic a favour – I could be wrong, and I apologise if I’m wrong.”

“I just don’t think he looked as if he had the heart that he did when he was under Ange.”

“He wasn’t in the last squad, was he? He was in the stand [for] the last game of the season, and that’s why.”

“I’m basing that off the fact: How can Hatate not be in Celtic’s 20-man squad?’”

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