Reo Hatate has earned a called up to the Japan national squad for the forthcoming international friendlies against United States on Friday 23 September and Ecuador on Tuesday 27 September.
And he’ll be joined by both Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda as Japan prepares for the World Cup with these two friendly matches. Hatate hasn’t been involved previously although he did play in the Japan Olympics team. His outstanding performances playing for Celtic have undoubtedly made a difference and he will be hoping to make his case for a place on the plane to Qatar with strong performances in these two matches.
That United States versus Japan match will be a fun watch, with Cameron Carter-Vickers likely to be tasked with the job of stopping Kyogo, or Maeda or both! Just as long as he doesn’t kick them!
Before that though the Celtic players will be concentrating on Sunday’s trip to Paisley to play St Mirren in the lunchtime kick-off which is live on Sky Sports. Three points are essential then it’s the international break before Celtic action resumes on Saturday 1 October when Motherwell are the visitors to Celtic Park. After that it’s a trip to Germany to take on RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday 5 October.
