Reo Hatate spotted BACK in Celtic training as midfielder ramps up return bid and delivers on Rodgers promise

It's a sight for sore eyes as far as Celtic fans are concerned as key midfielder Reo Hatate has been spotted back on the training pitch.

The Japan star hasn't played since January 2 after sustaining an injury on Japan duty and with skipper Callum McGregor out long-term, Brendan Rodgers has been light on midfield options recently. But it seems Hatate is back in the mix just in time to ease the burden. Rodgers said he would be back training over the international break but he was spotted on the Lennoxtown pitch with his Celtic teammates ahead of Saturday's game with St Johnstone.

A timeline given by Rodgers this week suggests that will be too soon for his return but he's been pictured out running beside his teammates with a view to getting back into the picture as soon as possible. Speaking earlier this week, Rodgers said of Hatate: "He is progressing well. He’s out on the pitch doing his work so we’re hoping that after the international break he’ll be with the squad.

"He’ll be training with the group in the international break and will be available afterwards. It’s more looking for the Livingston game afterward the break. After the international break, we’ve got a big game then. Just having the availability of that level of player, the dynamism he has, clearly it’s something that we’ve missed. So to have him back will be great.”