Time is up for Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate as supporters are incredibly disappointed after his performance against Livingston.
Hatate has played 21 matches this season in the Scottish Premiership but has been nothing short of awful in recent matches. When he has been trusted in the centre of the park by Martin O'Neill, he failed to really have an impact.
It's not just fans that have started to notice his lacklustre performances either, with journalist Callum Boyle saying:
"Second time in a matter of weeks that the midfielder has made a poorly-timed challenge that has caused Celtic problems. His discipline is a real issue and the reason why he doesn’t start for Celtic."
Fans were hoping that he would be one of the first names on the transfer lists come summer, but O'Neill has told the midfielder to focus on his football rather than a potential move in the summer.
He said:
"I think players go through this over the course of a season. I know you can’t live in past glories, but Reo was one of the top players in the SPFL about a season and a half ago. He just has to try and regain that sort of form again."
It's time to move on from Hatate
There is no doubt that when Hatate signed for Celtic under Ange Postecoglou in January 2022, he was a fantastic player. He took the team to a whole other level and controlled the game, popping up with goals and assists.
Time flies though, and although we all have fond memories of an in-form Hatate, it's time for the club to move on. Although at one point he could come on and completely change the game, he's now a bomb scare for the Hoops.
Although O'Neill wants to trust him in the midfield, he needs to make the decision to drop him completely. If players like Michel-Ange Balikwisha can't get a game but Hatate can, despite the Japanese midfielder being as awful as the former, then there's a serious question of favourites.
With such an important part of the season coming up, we can't afford to play Hatate in league-deciding fixtures. Every game is a cup final for Celtic now, and with the depth that Celtic now have in the midfield, there is no room for a player who doesn't have an impact.
Celtic's midfield now includes Callum McGregor, Arne Engels (injured), Benjamin Nygren, Luke McCowan, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Paulo Bernardo.