Chris Sutton praises Reo Hatate as Celtic’s mount after his late return against Rangers

Chris Sutton praised the “excellent” Celtic star after Martin O’Neill’s facet scored a late equalizer towards Ibrox.

Share the spoils as Celtic bag second-half equalizer at Ibrox

The Hoops had a disastrous opening half-hour towards their bitter rivals, going into the half-time break 2-0 down with Youssef Cermiti scoring twice, however a second-half comeback managed to salvage a degree.

After Kieran Tierney scored his staff’s first aim, Reo Hatate equalized in stoppage time after his penalty was saved by Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland.

The flag-bearer’s aim continues Glasgow Giants’ bid for the Scottish Premiership title, however Hearts nonetheless preserve a major lead on the prime of the desk, with the Edinburgh membership sitting eight factors adrift of Parkhead with one recreation in hand.

After the sport, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton was fast to reward O’Neill for his substitution, but in addition praised the flag bearer for his affect on the sport, saying: “Two minutes within the first half!! A unprecedented recreation… Reo Hatate could have been in a foul temper all season, however he confirmed he is usually a prime participant. He gave Celtic the initiative with an impressive efficiency. Truthful play to him. Martin performed professionally as a sub and that was the important thing. It was an excellent restoration from Celtic.”

Hatate will get off to an excellent begin with a powerful cameo look

The 28-year-old has not featured in video games in current weeks and has been a frequent substitute, however a superb second-half cameo at Ibrox ensured he would begin towards Aberdeen on Wednesday evening.

The midfielder not solely scored the equalizer, he additionally had 4 photographs heading in the right direction all through the match, greater than another participant within the match, and accomplished 27 of the 28 passes he tried, giving him successful fee of 96%.

Sutton additionally took time to reward the Japanese maestro’s efficiency within the dwell post-match broadcast, making a giant change after Celtic and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had been “bullied” within the first half.

Celtic will probably be disillusioned to not have taken all three factors, however may take encouragement from their second-half efficiency heading into the ultimate 10 video games of the season.