Reo Hatate reveals Japan dream as Celtic star responds to clocking up thousands of miles only to be stuck in the stand

Reo Hatate insists he has no complaints despite heading halfway across the world to play for Japan and not even making the bench last month.

The Celtic star was twice left out of the Samurai Blue's matchday squads despite jetting for thousands of miles to join up for Japan's World Cup qualifiers against China and Bahrain. However, he said he accepts boss Hajime Moriyasu's decision ahead of Wednesday night's clash with Saudi Arabia.

Moriyasu hasn't endeared himself to Parkhead fans on a number of occasions. He snubbed Kyogo for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has questioned the level Brendan Rodgers' Japanese stars are playing at, with Daizen Maeda the only consistent international pick of the trio. But Hatete said: "The team comes first. Whatever the manager decides is good for the team, I accept. Just by being selected for the squad means I am always being evaluated by the manager and staff and I respect that. If called upon, I will always do my best.

"I am happy to play in any position for my country. My role on the pitch changes depending on the players I'm performing with. I think I can build an understanding with the other players in the team. My dream is to help the team by scoring goals and making assists in the future."

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