Ally McCoist criticised Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate during Sky Sports’ coverage of the Old Firm clash at Ibrox – which saw Rangers lose 2-1. Goals from Tom Rogic and Cameron Carter-Vickers won the game for Celtic.
Aaron Ramsey notched his second goal for Rangers after just a few minutes but after a shaky first 10, Celtic were dominant for the majority of the remainder. Rogic and Carter-Vickers put Celtic 2-1 up before half-time.
The second half saw Rangers look to equalise but the best they could really muster was a left-footed effort from Fashion Sakala – producing a superb save from Joe Hart down to his left. Celtic win, and close in on the title.
Hatate, meanwhile, enjoyed a mediocre game – as the Japan international continues to stutter after stunning start. He was withdrawn just after the hour mark; it might have been something to do with a moment just before.
Ramsey was left to run at the Celtic defence with Greg Taylor out of position on Rangers’ right. Hatate was covering, but he simply lacked the energy to sprint back – failing to catch Ramsey. Rangers could easily have scored.
“He looked absolutely shot to pieces, he simply couldn’t get back. He’ll be off in about five minutes,” Rangers legend McCoist said of Celtic midfielder Hatate, during co-commentary on Sky Sports – after 55 minutes.
McCoist on Hatate: Why Celtic midfielder was so tired at Rangers
Hatate made his debut for Japan in the international break, being benched against Rogic’s Australia on March 24 – before playing 45 minutes in a draw against Vietnam. While it is not many minutes, the travelling is tiring.
Combine that with Hatate himself admitting, during the break, that the change in intensity from Scottish to Japanese football has had an affect, then it is understandable why he looked so tired. Celtic do have cover.
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