Chris Sutton lauds Reo Hatate as Celtic mount late comeback vs Rangers

Chris Sutton was filled with reward for an “excellent” Celtic star, after Martin O’Neill‘s aspect managed to bag a late equaliser at Ibrox.

Spoils shared as Celtic bag late equaliser at Ibrox

The Hoops had a disastrous opening half-hour towards their bitter rivals, and went into the half-time break 2-0 down, with Youssef Chermiti bagging a brace, however they managed to salvage some extent courtesy of a second-half comeback.

Kieran Tierney scored his aspect’s opening aim, earlier than Reo Hatate bundled residence the equaliser in stoppage time, after having his penalty saved by Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland.

Hatate’s aim retains the Glasgow giants’ Scottish Premiership title cost alive, however Hearts nonetheless have a wholesome lead on the high of the desk, with the Edinburgh membership sitting eight factors away from the Parkhead outfit, who’ve one sport in hand.

Taking to X after the sport, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton was fast to reward O’Neill for his substitutions, whereas he additionally lauded Hatate for the affect he had on proceedings, saying: “A sport of two half’s!! Extraordinary sport… Reo Hatate might have sulked all season however he confirmed what a high participant he may be. Excellent efficiency and he gave Celtic management. Honest play to him. Martin professional lively together with his subs and that was key. Nice restoration from Celtic.”

Hatate earns begin after spectacular cameo efficiency

The 28-year-old has discovered sport time troublesome to come back by in current weeks, usually being utilised in its place, however he has definitely earned a begin towards Aberdeen on Wednesday night time, courtesy of a improbable second-half cameo at Ibrox.

Not solely did the midfielder rating the equalising aim, however he additionally had 4 pictures on the right track, greater than every other participant managed all through the match, and accomplished 27 of the 28 passes he tried, which is a 96% success fee.

Sutton additionally took the time to reward the Japanese maestro’s efficiency stay on air after the sport, making an actual distinction after Celtic and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had been “bullied” throughout the first half.

Though Celtic shall be dissatisfied to not have taken all three factors, they will take some encouragement from their second-half efficiency, heading into the ultimate ten video games of the season.

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