Reo Hatate has admitted his wrecking of Rangers last season is the standard he has to try to continually hit in a Celtic jersey.
The Japanese international cemented a place in the hearts of the Hoops faithful with his derby-day heroics back in February this year. The midfielder netted a brace and created the other for Liel Abada in the 3-0 Parkhead win that put Ange Postecoglou’s side at the top of the table.
Celtic didn’t look back and went on to make it a dream double for the new manager after their League Cup triumph. “That became my standard to play,” the 24-year-old said. “I know it is not easy to perform like that in every game but I try my best to be as close to that standard as I can.” Hatate came in from Kawasaki Frontale in January along with his fellow countrymen Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi.
