Reo Hatate handed Celtic blessing in disguise as marathon man offered Japan squad breather

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has been left out of the Japan squad - giving him the chance to take a breather after a relentless campaign.

The midfielder made an instant impression at Parkhead following his January arrival from side Kawasaki Frontale with goals against against Hearts and Rangers.

However, after completing a title-winning J-League campaign before his arrival Hatate appear to be lacking sharpness in the final run-in.

The 24-year-old has previously confessed he felt fatigued at Celtic but is set to receive a proper breather this summer after the Premiership title victory.

Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has named Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi in his squad for their Kirin Cup campaign after their heroics in Scotland.

But there was no place for Hatate, which could prove to be a major boost for Ange Postecoglou.

Moriyasu explained his decisions to change the squad from the World Cup qualifying campaign after consulting clubs on player fitness.

Speaking after announcing his squad, he said: "First of all, I want to check the condition (with clubs).

"I convened (this squad) because there is a prospect of being able to play in the game.

"How will I support the players as a team by carefully watching the situation of the injury? I want to follow the medical judgment."