Why Reo Hatate at Right-Back Could Be Celtic’s Surprise Solution Against LASK

Celtic have a problem.

Alistair Johnston is injured and will miss the crucial Champions League play-off against LASK, leaving Martin O’Neill with a decision to make at right-back. Johnston was withdrawn at half-time during the 5-1 win over Kilmarnock and has subsequently been left out of Celtic’s Champions League squad.

The obvious solutions are Anthony Ralston or Colby Donovan.

But there is another option that shouldn’t be dismissed.

Reo Hatate at right-back.

It might sound strange.

It actually makes a lot of sense.

Ralston Isn’t Near the First Team

Anthony Ralston has plenty of experience at Celtic.

He has played Champions League football, represented Scotland and knows exactly what is expected at Celtic Park.

But there is a reason he has fallen down the pecking order.

When Johnston is fit, Ralston isn’t the first choice.

That makes throwing him into the biggest European tie of the season a significant decision.

He can certainly do a job.

But Celtic should be looking for the option that gives them the best chance of beating LASK.

Donovan Has the Talent – But Is He Ready?

Colby Donovan is the more exciting alternative.

The academy graduate has already shown that he belongs around the first-team squad, and there is a lot to like about his development.

He also produced an excellent performance away to Red Star Belgrade last season.

That wasn’t an easy environment.

Donovan handled himself extremely well.

In fact, I don’t think he’s particularly far away from a Scotland call-up if his development continues at its current rate.

But there’s a difference between being close to international football and being ready to start a Champions League play-off.

His European experience is still limited.

His most memorable involvement last season came in the chaos of the Kairat Almaty disaster, when he was introduced during extra time.

That’s not enough experience to confidently hand him one of the most important starts of Celtic’s season.

We’ve Seen Hatate Do It Before

This is where Reo Hatate becomes interesting.

Because this isn’t some completely ridiculous experiment.

Hatate has actually played right-back for Celtic before.

During the 2022/23 season, he was forced into the position because of injuries to Josip Juranović and Anthony Ralston.

He didn’t merely survive there.

He scored twice in a 4-1 victory over St Johnstone and was named man of the match.

Of course, that doesn’t mean Hatate suddenly becomes a natural right-back.

He doesn’t.

But his technical ability, intelligence and experience make him a fascinating option.

Could It Actually Suit Celtic?

Against LASK, Celtic should expect to have plenty of possession.

That makes Hatate particularly appealing.

His ability on the ball could allow Celtic to build from the back more comfortably.

He can move inside.

He can combine with midfielders.

He can progress possession.

And he has the technical quality to escape pressure.

Rather than simply asking a right-back to defend, Celtic could use Hatate to create another midfielder when they have the ball.

That could be particularly useful if LASK attempt to press high.

There is obviously a defensive question.

Hatate isn’t Johnston.

He doesn’t have the same physical profile or defensive instincts.

But Celtic wouldn’t necessarily need him to replicate Johnston.

They’d need him to provide a different solution.

And There’s Another Factor

Reo Hatate’s Celtic future has been questioned throughout the summer.

He has fallen down the midfield pecking order and there has been interest from elsewhere, although Martin O’Neill has now admitted that the Japanese midfielder could still have a role to play.

With Arne Engels now set to leave and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain unavailable for the first leg, Hatate suddenly has another opportunity to remind everyone exactly what he can do.

What better stage?

If he can help Celtic navigate LASK from right-back, it could completely change the conversation around his role.