Celtic news roundup as versatile Hatate gets another new position and O'Riley in line for starring Denmark role

Versatile Reo Hatate can solve a major problem for Japan - by slotting in at LEFT-BACK for his country.

That's the view of Japanese legend Torio Tanaka who believes the Celtic star has all the attributes needed to fill in there and carve out a role for himself in the starting XI. The Hoops midfielder won only his fourth cap for his country after appearing as a second half substitute when Japan beat Canada 4-1 in a friendly.

And Japan's former World Cup defender Tanaka has suggested a new international role for Hatate that he thinks would suit the Celtic star, who used to play left back for former club Kawasaki Fontale. He said: "I think we should try Reo Hatate out at left back. He has a very high level of technique. Out of all the subs against Canada, he was by far the brightest. His problem is getting into the midfield triangle that Japan plays. I think we should look at using him in another position so we can make use of his skills.

"Hiroki Ito of Stuttgart and Yuta Nakayama of Huddersfield Town have played in that position recently, but neither have impressed me. I think we need more options and Reo Hatate is suited to that position.

"He is more aggressive than either of them, he loves to move forward, is two-footed, can go inside and can also strike a ball well. He can pass and shoot and has played there before. He would be perfect."

Meanwhile his midfield partner Matt O'Riley is in line to make his debut for Denmark on Tuesday in San Marino after being called up for the first time. The Hoops midfielder has already scored five goals in 11 appearances for his club this season after an excellent start to the campaign.

He was tipped to be called up for Denmark's Euro 2024 double-header against Kazakhstan and San