Disappointed Reo Hatate has vented his frustrations after being left out of the first World Cup warm-up friendly for Japan.
The Celtic star was posted missing as the Samurai Blue stepped up their preparations for Qatar 2022 with a 2-0 win over USA. Hatate didn't receive the matchday call from boss Hajime Moriyasu, with teammate Kyogo Furuhashi also failing to make it off the bench during the clash. Hatate was cut from the 26-man squad named in Dussedorf as Moriyasu left out three from his original 29 person group.
The 24-year-old will have a final chance to catch the eye of his international boss if he makes the side that will face off against Ecuador in the final pre-tournament fixture. The midfielder insists he is ready for a run in the Japan XI. He told Japanese outlet Gekisaka : "Honestly, I'm really disappointed that I was left out of the squad. I feel that I am strong enough.
"Everything is decided by the coach, so it's not up to me. I have a role here, and if I have a chance to play in a game, I will play wherever I am told. While there are many players who have various experiences, I'm trying to come up with ways to leave the mark of coming here. I think there is something to be gained from the national team."
He reckons his experiences at Celtic can help his case of being on the plane to Qatar, having stepped up the Champions League group stage this term. Hatate said: "I'm progressing with the technical part (of my game), and on what I did last half a season.
"I've built a relationship with my teammates and I'm able to play calmly even on a pitch like that (the Champions League). I think I've grown a lot."
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