Reo Hatate says he wasn't at 100% in the Scottish Cup semi-final - but digging in followed by some words from the boss got him back to his Celtic best.
The Japanese midfielder was racing to be fit for the pressure cooker game against Rangers, which the Hoops eventually won 1-0 thanks to a Jota goal. It paves the way for them to potentially clinch a Treble this Saturday against Inverness Caley Thistle in the Scottish Cup final and while he did appear, Hatate admits he wasn't fully sharp for a meeting with his rivals after spending over a month out, lasting 66 minutes.
Angeball's high-intensity attacking qualities has been lauded, and the technician provided an insight into it's gritty characteristics that are key, with Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou getting him back to top shape for winning the league away at Hearts. Hatate wrote in his Sportiva blog: "It's a one-shot cup semi-final, and the opponent is the rival Rangers. I feel that the work I have shown so far on the pitch is a proof of trust in the fact that (Postecoglou) has nominated me as a starting pitcher after returning from injury.
"There was a difficulty that the play was not as usual, partly because it was a big game from the first game after returning. However, for the sake of the team, I did the best I could at that time.
"If you don't get the feel of the game and can't contribute to the team on the offensive side, work hard and show your strength in defence. Press the opponent to induce or drive them.
"Pick up the second ball and connect it to the attack. Or keep the ball and calm the game down. When I was asked if I could show my characteristics and strengths in my first match after coming back, it was hard to say that I could, but I thought and tried to play the minimum role that was required of me.
"Above all, a good offense starts with a good defence. I didn't score, but a 1-0 win gave Celtic a ticket to the final. Considering that it gave me the right to challenge for the domestic triple crown.
"I am glad that I was able to do the bare minimum. And then, in the match against Hearts, which decided the league championship, I switched back to my own play based on Mr. Ange's words."
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