Celtic star Reo Hatate running on empty as he tries to help Hoops beat Rangers to title

REO HATATE has admitted he’s running on empty as he tries to help Celtic to the title.

The Japanese midfielder arrived in Scotland in January after playing a full season for Kawasaki Frontale.

2

Reo Hatate is feeling the strain after full season in Japan before Celtic moveCredit: Kenny Ramsay

2

Hatate in action for Celtic in recent Old Firm derby defeat to Rangers at HampdenCredit: Willie Vass

Hatate, 24, has since crammed in 17 games in three months and has revealed he feels mentally and physically drained.

The Celtic midfielder admits he even had double vision before his side’s Old Firm win at Ibrox – after flying back from international duty.

He said: “Since my debut against Hibernian I’ve felt the intensity of the European game and played a number of games.

“The fact that I’ve kept getting appearances shows that the team trusts in me and that’s given me a lot of confidence.

“But for what feels like the first time, I’m definitely feeling emotional and physical fatigue.

“It’s been three months since I arrived in Glasgow and getting used to a new environment on and off the pitch has been trial and error.

“In Japan there were ways I could refresh myself and take a mental break but that’s difficult when you’re playing so frequently.

“There are times when I can’t make a run on goal, or hold back on the attack to preserve the team’s balance, and I have to recognise my fatigue.

“For the national team I had to go to Australia, then Japan, and back to Scotland.

“It was my first call-up as an overseas player and I was confronted with the difficulty of maintaining your condition while travelling and then immediately having to get results for your team.

“When you’re away from your team on national team duty there’s a chance you can lose your position.

“My first day back at Celtic there was a moment that I saw two balls and was clearly jet lagged.

“But in Europe you need to be tough enough to stay fit and fight for your position.”

“I definitely feel tired but I want to keep doing whatever I can to help the team win the league.

“I think I’ll become tougher and stronger as a result.”

Hatate was given the nod for the Ibrox clash and had a hand in Tom Rogic’s equaliser as Celtic moved six points clear of Rangers.

And the Japan star is glad he and fellow January signing Daizen Maeda have helped Celtic into a strong position.

Hatate said: “To start against Rangers gave me a lot of confidence.

“It was huge to be able to help create the equaliser.

“On the match sheet I didn’t score a goal or record an assist, but it was huge that I was able to leave my mark on the team’s victory.

“Daizen  talked about how even though the team has been building on what it’s been doing.

“Those of us who joined mid-season have added our own strength and helped push us into first place.”

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page