Reo Hatate says he's been keeping a close eye on Brighton games to study the talents of top Japanese star Kaoru Mitoma.
The two former Kawasaki Frontale men linked up on international duty and the relationship between the sought-after Celtic midfielder and the Brighton winger goes back to their stints in the J-League. Hatate, despite impressing in Glasgow, was the subject of consecutive snubs by national boss Hajime Moriyasu but now seems to be in the plans as he starred in a rout against El Salvador.
Parkhead pal Kyogo Furuhashi was on target for the Samuari Blue with a header while the only Hoops member to be selected for the World Cup in Qatar, Daizen Maeda, was resigned to the bench. Hatate was previously hailed by tricky winger Mitoma who he claimed had "inspired him" with his form in the Scottish Premiership.
