Reo Hatate: Stats show exactly why Celtic star must return to starting XI vs St Mirren

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Credit: Imago Fri 10 April 2026 16:00, UK Reo Hatate needs to return to the starting XI for Celtic’s upcoming tie against St Mirren.The midfielder was an unused substitute in the 2-1 victory over Dundee last weekend.This was perhaps not too surprising, with the 28-year-old being highly criticised for his performances for most of this season.However, this does not mean that he should remain sidelined, as the midfielder boasts a fantastic record against St Mirren.As a result, O’Neill has to consider his recall ahead of the crucial Celtic tie. ⚽ Celtic Matchday ⚽ >Team news, line-ups, expert previews and verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Hoops fixture. VISIT THE CELTIC MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Reo Hatate has previously dominated St MirrenIn his previous clashes against St Mirren, Hatate has not held back.The midfielder has come up against the Buddies 15 times in his career to date.Reo Hatate’s record vs St MirrenMatches 15Goals 5Assists4Hatate has a great record against St MirrenSo far, he has netted five times and picked up four assists against the Scottish Premiership club.This has resulted in 12 victories, with Hatate only losing twice and drawing once to St Mirren.His form against the side has also continued his season, with the midfielder netting during the 3-1 defeat in the Premier Sports Cup final back in December.Given he is almost averaging a goal contribution a game against St Mirren, O’Neill has to recall him to the starting lineup.🍀 “𝙃𝙚’𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙊’𝙍𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙮’𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙚𝙨”Reo Hatate doubles Celtic’s advantage with an effort off the post and in ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/D6nn2XCU0O— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) August 25, 2024 Going into the split, the manager needs all of his star players on form, and this appears to be the perfect moment to get Hatate back among the goals.Is this Hatate’s last season at Celtic?Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Celtic are bracing for offers for Hatate ahead of the summer transfer window.The midfielder is eyeing a potential move from Celtic Park, with plenty of suitors keeping track of the situation as he enters the final two years of his current contract.Hatate is currently on his fifth campaign at the Hoops after signing for the club halfway through the 2021-22 season.So far in his Hoops career, he has netted 33 times and won four Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and two Premier Sports Cups.

Now, it remains to be seen if Celtic will be willing to part with Hatate in the summer, and how much they will demand for the Japan international if they do allow him to leave.