Reo Hatate is determined to score his first-ever goal at Hampden Park when Celtic take on St Johnstone this Sunday in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.
Since his 2022 move from Japan's Kawasaki Frontale under Ange Postecoglou, the 27-year-old has enjoyed considerable success at the national stadium, lifting both the Scottish and League Cup twice.
Yet despite his impressive medal haul, one personal milestone has eluded him – a goal at Hampden.
Hatate is keen to put that record right against a St Johnstone side who are rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership but shocked Celtic with a 1-0 win on home soil earlier this month.
While he’s eager to score, he insists that Celtic’s success in the Scottish Cup is his primary focus.
“I play for the team in every game,” Hatate explained. “For me, it is important to score, and I do my best, but it is all about the next game. I have never scored a goal at Hampden Park, so I would like to try score a goal in the next game! It’s important to win the next game.”
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Hatate’s desire to net during the upcoming last four cup showdown comes after a stellar individual performance in Celtic’s 5-1 demolition of Kilmarnock last weekend, where he scored twice and provided an assist as the Hoops went another step closer to a fourth-straight league title.
"I have good memories of Hampden Park," Hatate reflected. "We won the Scottish Cup and the League Cup before, but I want to win the next match there. If we show the same play, we will win the game. I don’t change my preparation for this game. I think it will be the same."
With 50 appearances across all competitions this season, the Japan international has been an ever-present for Brendan Rodgers' side, scoring 10 goals and assisting six more.
Hatate’s form has been key to Celtic’s continued dominance in Scottish football, and he is determined to continue his stellar run by setting up a cup final date against either Aberdeen or Hearts on May 24.
Looking back on previous fixtures at Hampden, Hatate singled out one game as his standout memory.
"I think the League Cup final this season stood out," he said. "We played against Rangers, and it was 3-3, so we went to a penalty shootout. It was a hard game, and I played the full match. It was a tough game. However, we won the League Cup, so I was happy! I am most happy."
As Celtic prepare for another crucial match at Hampden, Hatate’s focus is clear: achieve victory, and if possible, break his Hampden goal drought.
