Ange Postecoglou sat down with the mainstream media today to talk all things Celtic ahead of a potential title clinching Glasgow Derby match at Celtic Park tomorrow. Most were tuning in to find out whether or not our injury concerns have been relieved at all and there is some good news in that respect, as both Greg Taylor and Aaron Mooy will make it for theRangers visit to Glasgow’s East End.
However, Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate, who picked up a hamstring problem during our last match before the international break at the end of March, will not be involved in tomorrow’s lunch-time derby. Its a really bitter blow for the player, Ange and the Hoops supporters as Reo has great form in this fixture and would be looking to maintain that wonderful history ahead of that one kicking off.
It’s not be though, as Postecoglou confirmed that the former Kawasaki Frontale man will still be relieved of first-team duties for a while longer. Speaking ahead of the match, the boss said: “Reo hasn’t come up but Aaron is fine so from last week, the only change is Aaron’s available. It is disappointing for Reo more than anything, he loves playing these games, he’s had an impact every time he has. You get disappointed for the player and you want everyone available, but from a team perspective, we have depth in that area.”
🚨 BREAKING: Ange Postecoglou reveals Reo Hatate is out of the match against Rangers. Who starts tomorrow’s derby, Celtic fans?
Hear more from our exclusive interview at 6:30pm tonight on @SkySportsNews and watch the Old Firm on @SkyFootball from 11:30am tomorrow 📺 pic.twitter.com/dWXVCCxc64
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 7, 2023
Celtic will be hoping that Tomoki Iwata can step up to the plate and deliver for the side this weekend in the absence of the classy Reo Hatate. It Is another opportunity for the J-League MVP to stamp his own authority in the team and in this particular contest against our fierce rivals and closest competitor for the Scottish Premiership title come 12.30pm on Saturday afternoon. He was neat and tidy up at Ross County last week without being spectacular, but that’s exactly what will be required of him in this one – calmness.
Alistair Johnston made his debut and starred at Ibrox at the same time and it was one of the most remarkable debuts or Glasgow Derby debuts for that matter in Celtic history in all honesty. With any luck, Iwata can produce a similar type of performance to Ally’s that day way back in January and come out to really mix it up out there. This will be a pre-requisite for this coming clash as theRangers will no doubt want to make it a fight, as they have no way of matching us technically or from a footballing standpoint.
