Reo Hatate unleashed by Celtic at perfect time as Brendan Rodgers fast-track plan for Rangers revealed

John Kennedy hailed rampaging Reo Hatate after his stunning return helped Celtic surge back to the top of the table.

The Parkhead assistant boss poured praise onto the Japanese ace who fired straight onto top form in spectacular style at Livingston. Hatate had a huge hand in the opening goal of the 3-0 success and displayed all his usual diligence and class despite starting a first game since last October.

The 26-year-old was smooth in his work at the Tony Macaroni Arena and Kennedy outlined the importance of the Asian’s impressive return. The assistant boss said: “He was on it right from the first minute and he has been in training, which is why the gaffer thought to get him in the team quickly. He’s been terrific the last few weeks. He came back in good condition and worked really hard. We had the game last week to give him some minutes and he was really good, so it was time to unleash him. I think you can see what he brings to the team.”

Hatate is a difference-maker for the champions as Kennedy continued: “I think that’s always the case with your best players. He’s shown that, in terms of big games and big performances. He’s obviously not fully up to speed, but I think we can see that he’s in pretty good condition and it’s just the confidence he brings to the team as well.

“He plays with that composure. Even on a difficult pitch, you can see how he brings a calmness to the game. He sees the passes which the front players thrive on and he gives us a slightly different dynamic.

“It’s important to have him back. It’s just about getting him through the week now, getting him that extra bit fitter going into next week. Even when he came off, Paulo [Bernardo] came on, gave us a bit of buzz and got his goal.”

Bernardo was