One of the big frustrations for Celtic this season has been the inability to keep several key players in the squad fit and healthy.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate are all influential stars who have had significant spells on the sidelines.
Now, finally, it looks as if Brendan Rodgers will again have his strongest squad available – and just in time for a massive push towards a potential league and cup double.
Hatate was the latest big name to return to the team in Sunday’s 3-0 win against Livingston, having picked up his most recent injury on international duty with Japan in January.
The 26-year-old had only made seven starts for the Bhoys this season before today’s selection but the manager had no qualms with firing him straight back into the team after his lengthy layoff.
Celtic fans on Reo Hatate vs Livingston
Encouragingly, Hatate looked sharp and ready to go for this run of matches, showing little sign that he is still building his way back up to full match fitness. He managed to play for 65 minutes before being substituted.
He wasn’t just going through the motions and coasting through his return. He had a big part to play in asserting Celtic dominance against the home side and it was his shot which led to the opening goal.
The midfielder had a healthy combined xG and xA of 0.45 before being substituted – a sign of his influence in the attacking areas and linking the play.
Undoubtedly there is more to come from the Ange Postecoglou signing and he’ll likely get the opportunity to impress again in the starting line-up against Rangers next weekend at Ibrox.
For now, Celtic supporters are just happy to see him back in the team and reckon he’s been a big miss during his absence. He’s a difference-maker in this group and that was clear in the tributes to his return on social media site X on Sunday.
One Celtic fan said:
Another added:
Former 67 Hail Hail colleague Hamish Carton said:
This fan agrees, stating:
How much Celtic have missed him was constant theme online, with this supporter concluding:
Finally, another said: