HE may have netted the winning goal for Celtic at the weekend, but midfielder Reo Hatate was a frustrated figure as he conducted press duties following the full-time whistle.
The Japanese international unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the penalty box against Motherwell to ensure his team claimed an important three points in the Scottish Premiership title race.
The Premiership champions went ahead through Kyogo Furuhashi before their opponents were gifted a route back into the game following a disastrous own goal from Josip Juranovic.
Hatate then popped up with the winner but the fixture would ultimately end in disappointment personally, as his slack pass resulted in his skipper Callum McGregor being shown a straight red card for felling Ross Tierney as the last man.
“I must learn from my mistake,” admitted the 24-year-old. “It was good to score but then I made a mistake, so it was not good and it was not bad.”
Hatate admitted he apologised to his captain, but “you will have to ask him” was the response when quizzed on whether McGregor had accepted his apology.
The Scotland international was visibly angered by his midfield partner’s slackness and the disappointment will have added to a frustrating international break for Hatate.
The former Kawasaki Frontale playmaker did not feature for Japan in their two friendly fixtures against the USA and Ecuador.
It was clear from the off against Motherwell that he was out to prove a point and after landing the man of the match award, he will be hoping that his international coach Hajime Moriyasu was tuning in.
He continued: “For me it is about Celtic. I am happy with a goal and that we won the game. It all depends on us. We have to focus on each game and do our part.”
As part of his Japan frustrations, Hatate stated how he felt his experience in the Champions League would help him on the international stage.
A number of key European fixtures and Premiership games are to come this month in a hectic schedule, but Hatate feels he and his teammates are ready for the challenge.
“Each game will be very tough,” he admitted. “It is important to have a good recovery and performance for the team.
“Each competition is important and makes you improve but I definitely can learn a lot by playing in the Champions League.”
Leipzig are up next for Celtic and Hatate is expecting a tough test, but when asked about their threat, the midfielder doubled down on the importance of he and his teammates concentrating on their own game first and foremost.
He added: “I am enjoying the Champions League and I am learning how to prepare myself. I will learn a lot and I enjoy that experience.
“The biggest challenge is playing our football. We will try as always to play our football.”
