Reo Hatate has been named Premiership player of the month for February; the midfielder scored four goals last month; Ange Postecoglou believes he has more levels to hit
Monday 6 March 2023 09:53, UK
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou says Reo Hatate has "hit another level" and he believes there is even better to come from the midfielder.
The Japan international has been named Premiership player of the month for February after shining for the Hoops in league wins over Livingston, St Johnstone and Aberdeen.
Hatate scored a double against the Dons and also netted twice in their Scottish Cup victory over St Mirren, despite only coming on for the final 30 minutes.
He turned in another impressive performance in last weekend's Viaplay Cup win over Rangers at Hampden Park, providing the cross for Kyogo Furuhashi's second goal.
Postecoglou told Sky Sports News: "When he came in 12 months ago, he had an impact straight away.
"We knew it would be a tough initiation for him because he'd come off the back of a full Japanese league season, whereas this year he had a pre-season with us.
"Over the last month he's just gone to another level and I certainly believe there are another couple of levels in him as a footballer.
"He's enjoying it and he's making more of an impact, which is great for us."
Celtic have a nine-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and, after retaining the Scottish League Cup, Postecoglou hopes his squad are hungry for more success.
"Whether it's your first or I'm not sure how many Callum (McGregor) has, hopefully you come out of it with a drive and desire to go back there and do it again.
"That's the key thing and that shouldn't diminish just because you've done it before. Hopefully they all want to be there again and want to perform at the highest level again and bring success to the club."
Hatate meanwhile has vowed to raise his game after missing out on Japan's World Cup squad and is sure there is room for improvement.
The former Kawasaki Frontale player said: "I think I can bring myself to another level. I will work hard and try my best. I'm a player that makes a difference in the final third and that's the key for the team as well so I want to make a good number in terms of goals and assists.
"In terms of the mentality, I have improved a lot, I have become much stronger in terms of mentality since coming to Scotland.
"I really enjoy working under Ange Postecoglou. He is always giving me a challenge every single game so that brings me to an even higher level of football."
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