Celtic’s win over Livingston on Sunday gave John Kennedy the opportunity to take charge of the team as Brendan Rodgers served his one-match ban.
The Hoops assistant boss was in fine form on media duties as he talked up his players after watching a second-half performance that blew David Martindale‘s men away.
Kennedy never ducked a question and his answer on how the Celtic camp is feeling ahead of the Sunday Glasgow Derby left former Celtic hero, Pat Bonner, really impressed.
Kennedy said his dressing room was the ‘calmest in Scotland’ and detailed his and the experienced Celtic players’ role in keeping everyone focused this week as the media circus surrounding the fixture increases.
So when he was asked why Brendan Rodgers threw Reo Hatate in against Livingston on Sunday, Kennedy was upfront and honest in his reply.
Why Brendan Rodgers unleashed Reo Hatate
Kennedy said the Japan international was really impressive in training and his performance at Lennoxtown encouraged Rodgers to get him in the side ‘quickly’.
Kennedy said [Press & Journal], “He was on it right from the first minute and he has been in training, which is why the gaffer thought to get him in the team quickly.
“He’s been terrific the last few weeks. He came back in good condition and worked really hard.
“We had the game last week (a bounce game against St Mirren) to give him some minutes and he was really good, so it was time to unleash him.”
And it paid off. Hatate was superb against the Almondvale side and proved pretty quickly why he is regarded as one of the best players at the club.
For the 65 minutes he was on the pitch, Hatate had four shots on goal, created one chance, missed one big chance and had a 90% passing accuracy as the Japanese signalled his attacking intent straight from kickoff. [Fotmob]
There is no doubt that having a fit Hatate will be a huge boost to Rodgers heading to Ibrox this weekend and the Celtic fans will be delighted he came through the Livingston test unscathed and ready for the derby.