Team News: Hatate debut is confirmed

Reo Hatate makes his full international debut this morning with Japan playing Vietnam in their final World Cup qualifier. 

Last week’s win away to Australia secured Japan’s place in the finals with the Celtic midfielder getting his first start after watching the win in Sydney from the bench. 

Hatate failed to make the squad for the January/February qualifiers but his form at Celtic has pushed him up the pecking order with the live target now a place in the squad for Qatar with Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda having the same target. 

Lots of changes for tonight, and there is Reo Hatate getting his first start in the blue kit. Mitoma starting as well after his heroics in Sydney. https://t.co/AAYMzghrmL

— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) March 29, 2022

At this stage of the season international matches can be a distraction from club commitments but after making his debut for his nation Hatate should be boosted for Sunday’s match at Ibrox. 

In his first appearance in the Glasgow derby the midfielder made quite an impact with two first half goals in the 3-0 victory that sent Ange Postecoglou’s side to the top of the SPFL Premiership table.

Hatate has been capped at u-21, u-22 and u-23 levels but this is his first international cap.

CLICK HERE for full international record.