Opinion: Celtic star's moment of genius vindicates Postecoglou decision

It wasn’t a surprise to see Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou picked a much-changed side for the Hoops’ match against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup.

There were a few first-team regulars selected, and one of those was midfielder Reo Hatate. That was perhaps a bit of a surprise, as he has quickly become one of Celtic’s most important players since joining the Bhoys in the January transfer window.

It might have been thought that the player would have been left on the bench with Thursday’s Europa Conference League clash with Bodo/Glimt in mind.

However, perhaps with captain Callum McGregor on the bench, Postecoglou felt that the 24-year-old was needed in the Hoops starting line-up.

It might have been a gamble to start the player in the cup tie, especially if he had got injured, but Postecoglou’s selection gamble was vindicated by a moment of genius from the player.

In the 71st minute of the game, and with the Hoops needing a second goal to clinch the tie, Hatate played a beautiful curved path right into the path of Jota. The pass took out the defender, and set the winger on his way towards the Raith penalty box.

His cross was then finished in style by Giorgos Giakoumakis, whose goal all but won the tie for the Hoops.

Whilst Jota will get the credit for the assist, the goal was all about Hatate’s vision in managing to spot the run of the winger. It was a terrific pass, and for that reason alone it was sensible for the Hoops boss to play Hatate for the entire 90 minutes.

Hatate has settled into life in Scottish football very quickly, and the performance against Raith was another example of that.

It was a game played in difficult conditions against a tough opponent, but Hatate managed to cope very well, and he got better the