The new season is already underway with the Rangers avoiding an early scare against Livingston to come out with a 2-1 victory, while Celtic will begin their campaign against Aberdeen on Flag Day at Parkhead. And this is going to be one of the most unique seasons in a long time, with the World Cup in Qatar to be played in the middle of it.
Chris Sutton has given his view on why a couple of Celtic’s signings from January and their World Cup hopes could be the key to success for the Hoops in the title race against the Rangers.
Both Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate made a great impression after signing for the club in the previous January transfer window. They played key parts in the Premiership win last time around and they are both coming off of strong pre-season displays this time.
This season, they both have additional motivation to get off to a flying start, with spots in their respective national team’s squads potentially up for grabs. Sutton wrote in his column in the Daily Record:
"Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate both have a World Cup to aim at. If they show the form to get to Qatar, I’m sure it’ll help Celtic get over the line in a tight title race."
Sutton also feels that they are the first choices for Celtic in midfield alongside captain, Callum McGregor:
"O’Riley and Hatate, to my eye, look the first choices beside McGregor and they are going to have to back him up. From what I’ve seen, they are capable. More than capable."
World Cup could help Celtic in their title race against Rangers
Hatate broke through into the Japan national team picture in March, making his debut in a World Cup qualifying match against Vietnam. He will surely be hoping to join Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi on the plane to Qatar.
For O’Riley, he is still to make a breakthrough into the senior Denmark team, but has made an impression at the youth level. And if he can continue to impress for Celtic, there is no reason for him not to be picked for the World Cup.
Even without the World Cup motivation, both players look likely to have a key part to play in the upcoming season for Celtic.