Reo Hatate: Celtic midfielder ‘head and shoulders’ above the rest, says Mark Wilson

Former Celtic midfielder Mark Wilson believes the League Cup final turned into received in midfield with Reo Hatate “head and shoulders above the relaxation“.

Ange Postcoglou’s side retained the trophy as Kyogo Furuhashi netted a double to seal a 2-1 victory over Rangers.

Hatate produced a dominant midfield show and set up Kyogo for his second goal at Hampden Park as the Hoops ended Michael Beale’s unbeaten begin as Rangers manager.

Wilson, who lifted the League Cup with Celtic in 2009, pinpointed the Japan global as key to their victory.

“He became fantastic,” he stated of the 25-12 months–vintage who has scored 5 goals in the league this season.

“you see his movement and the running off the ball that he does, however his quality at the ball become what set him apart.

“I notion he turned into head and shoulders above the rest and he had an involvement in the two desires.

“I suppose Hatate’s been the megastar for them this yr in all competitions and, whilst you do it in a final, it glaringly sticks out a bit extra.

“i used to be surprised whilst Ange Postecoglou selected to take him off while he did due to the fact Rangers had been entering the game at that point, it changed into a chunk on a knife aspect.

“It just indicates you the religion that Ange has in his substitutions and his new signings, that he is added to this usa, that he’s organized to place them on whilst the sport is on a knife edge.”
Sunday’s victory means Postecoglou has now received three honours considering the fact that taking rate at Celtic in June 2021.

Celtic sit nine factors clear on the top of the Scottish Premiership and remain on path for a domestic treble with a Scottish Cup zone–very last tie with Hearts subsequent month.

Wilson believes the Australian deserves credit for the way he handles the stress of handling the crew.

“I grew up inside the city and grew up a Celtic fan so I knew precisely what it supposed to support the club,” he added.

“You by no means without a doubt listen from Postecoglou about that side and the stress that falls on his shoulders, and it is outstanding however he is managed to address it quite well.

“I assume you may see how relieved he become, specifically whilst the second goal went in, and at the very last whistle you could see the weight lifting.

“He deserved an awesome night time because he places an lousy lot of work into this aspect, does plenty of press meetings in which he has to bat off lots of questions.”

McGregor: we are lucky to have Kyogo

Callum McGregor described Kyogo Furuhashi as a “movie star” after another Viaplay Cup very last double from the Celtic striker delivered the trophy back to Parkhead.

“he is a celeb. I cannot speak exceptionally sufficient approximately him.

“In our system the striker has to be honestly disciplined and be in among the posts and once more these days he’s in there with first rate finishes, completing off the team movements.

“It takes a number of area to play in that role and this is finals in a row he has scored the 2 dreams that has won it.

“So, a actual superstar and we’re lucky to have him.”

“First half I thought we had been certainly accurate, in reality dominant in the game and likely unfortunate to head in (just) one up.

“but good from us in a showpiece event, stuck to our football and really causing them problems. I don’t suppose they received the ball again once in transition so sincerely correct from us.