Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou backs Reo Hatate to keep improving

Ange Postecoglou has hailed Reo Hatate’s rise in form and believes the Japanese midfielder can keep improving by “another couple of levels”.

Hatate has been named as Premiership Player of the Month for February after a series of influential displays at the heart of the Celtic team, and played his part last Sunday as his side lifted the Viaplay Cup.

Postecoglou paid tribute to the player’s contribution so far and also shared his belief that the best is yet to come from one of the rising stars in his team.

“It’s fair to say that since he came in last year he made an impact straight away,” the Celtic manager said.

“There’s no doubt that the first six months was gong to be tough for him, coming off a J-League season.

“This year, after a strong pre-season, he’s been really strong all year.

“He’s obviously found another level since the World Cup break. It’s my belief that there’s another couple of levels in him at least.

“Knowing Reo and his mindset he’ll definitely get there.”

Postecoglou knows that the player is determined to make the most of his career but said that is complemented by the fact that he is in a squad of similarly ambitious individuals.

“He is very determined to be the best footballer he can be,” the Celtic boss said. “He’s not on his own though, I think the whole group has those characteristics.

“I think that helps somebody like Reo because he’s coming into an environment that suits that mindset.

“Sometimes you can have that mindset but go into an environment that doesn’t allow that to nourish.

“Here, he’s walked into a place with likeminded people who also want to be the best they can be, are very ambitious, the coaching staff is ambitious. So for guys like Reo, they can thrive within that.”