Reo Hatate times Celtic return for title run in as bounce game tester tees him up for Rangers tussle

Reo Hatate has stepped up his Celtic return for the title race run in with 45 minutes in a bounce game.

The Japanese hasn't played featured since the winter break after suffering a double calf injury while away on Asian Cup duty with Japan. In his absence, the champions saw their lead at the top of the Premiership table evaporate as Rangers overtook them, but have since regained top spot after beating St Johnstone at the weekend while Gers trip to Dundee was a washout and will be played next month.

And Hatate could be back in business by then after playing 45 minutes in a scratch game against St Mirren at the Hoops' Lennoxtown training base on Wednesday. Assuming he suffers no adverse reaction to playing in the 2-2 draw with the Buddies, then he could well be in Brendan Rodgers' squad for their return to domestic action away to Livingston a week on Sunday.

Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.

You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We've also entered the world of WhatsApp with our Rangers community and Celtic community up and running. Follow NOW to get your club's latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone.