Articles

Celtic’s Japanese Bhoys Are Too Good Not To Be On The Plane To Qatar.

|
Image for Celtic’s Japanese Bhoys Are Too Good Not To Be On The Plane To Qatar.

I was reading today about how Reo Hatate is frustrated at not being selected for the recent game against the United States. He is concerned that he is not going to be in the squad for Qatar.

I think that he is worrying about nothing.

Long before the details of those squads are finalised, he will have starred for Celtic in four more Champions League matches. He will – hopefully – have booked our club a place in another final, of the League Cup, at Hampden in February.

Between those matches and those which he will play in the SPFL by then, I think Hatate will have done more than enough to convince the National Coach that he should, at the very least, be in the final squad. I think he can land himself a starting berth as well.

All of our Japanese contingent – save for Ideguchi who must be the unluckiest player on the planet at the moment – will be part of that team. Much as I would prefer it if they were all staying at home (yes and no, if you read my earlier article on the Scotland players) I am proud that so many of our stars look set to be out there and these guys will be amongst them.

It’s important that they are.

It’s important that their national coach does not undermine the idea of players moving to Scotland.

The great thing about having all these internationals is that it tells players elsewhere that this needn’t be a negative when it comes to being selected for their countries. The Japanese boys have all gained prestige and are all in the managers thoughts precisely because they have done well for this club.

That World Cup will be enhanced by Maeda, Kyogo and Hatate.

The midfielder especially, I think, as it’s the kind of stage on which he can strut his stuff and show the world what he’s all about. There is no way in Hell that these three won’t be at that tournament and as more than just observers.

They are going to be big players on that stage.

Share this article

0 comments

  • Johnny Green says:

    International caps boost a player’s confidence in their own ability and also, very importantly for the club, they increase the player’s transfer valuation whenever they are moved on.

  • Martin H. says:

    Must have some midfield if Reo can’t get a game.

Comments are closed.