Reo Hatate sees Celtic playbook thrown out by Japan boss as Brendan Rodgers told the 'extension' star needs

Celtic star Reo Hatate is set to be thrown in at left-back for Japan as boss Hajime Moriyasu laid out his plans to throw out his Parkhead playbook.

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 as he came on to play in the midfield- taking up his familiar role in the engine room that has been utilised by Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers. But Moriyasu is looking to show his know-how by revealing he intends to deploy the 25-year-old as a full-back against Tunisia.

With Hatate playing on the left side of the midfielder in the friendly clash against Alastair Johnston's side, the boss has hinted that he could impress on the flank. The Samurai Blues boss said: "He showed us that he can take a wide position on the left side and move his teammates, that he can get between the lines and play, and that he can be involved in both attack and defence.

"Even when he played in the middle of the game. He has shown that he can play for Celtic in midfield, especially on the left, but I think he can use his strengths on the left in terms of getting between the lines, getting involved inside and getting the best out of people, as an extension of that game."

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