O’Neill Won’t Rule Out Hatate in Celtic vs Rangers Derby, Glasgow 2026

Key Points

• Martin O’Neill has not ruled out Reo Hatate featuring for Celtic against Rangers on Sunday at Celtic Park.
• Hatate has only played 17 minutes in the past month, his last appearance being a cameo against St Mirren on April 17th.
• O’Neill stated: “Of course, he could come in. I wouldn’t rule anyone out from the viewpoint that they have been in these situations before. Reo has been in them, and I wouldn’t rule it out.”
• The match is the final clash between the Glasgow rivals this season at Celtic Park.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) May 9, 2026 – Martin O’Neill has left the door open for Reo Hatate to play in Sunday’s crucial Old Firm derby against Rangers at Celtic Park, despite the midfielder’s limited recent action.

Why Has Reo Hatate Played So Little Recently?

Reo Hatate, the Japanese midfielder, has featured minimally for Celtic in recent weeks. He has played just 17 minutes over the past month, with his last outing a brief 17-minute substitute appearance against St Mirren on April 17th.

Since then, Hatate has remained an unused substitute in Celtic’s subsequent matches, including a 2-1 win over Hibernian at Easter Road. This marks three straight games on the bench without minutes, raising questions about his place in the squad.

As reported by Aaron Haire of Celts Are Here, Hatate’s situation is puzzling given his past impact, such as in the earlier 2-2 draw with Rangers where he came off the bench and influenced the game significantly. Martin O’Neill addressed this directly, noting Hatate’s experience in high-stakes title races.

What Did Martin O’Neill Say About Hatate’s Potential Involvement?

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill was clear in his pre-match comments. Speaking to The Herald, he said:

“Of course, he could come in.”

O’Neill continued:

“I wouldn’t rule anyone out from the viewpoint that they have been in these situations before. Reo has been in them, and I wouldn’t rule it out.”

These remarks came amid Celtic’s push for a fifth successive Scottish Premiership title, with the derby holding major implications.

O’Neill highlighted Hatate’s prior success in similar scenarios, suggesting the player could draw on that experience if selected.

Where and When Is This Final Old Firm Clash Taking Place?

The game is set for Sunday at Celtic Park in Glasgow, marking the final Glasgow derby of the 2025-26 season between the two rivals.

This home fixture for Celtic adds extra intensity, as the Hoops aim to solidify their position atop the league.

Recent context includes Celtic monitoring Hearts’ match against Motherwell on Sky Sports, which could influence the title race dynamics ahead of the derby. The timing underscores the stakes, with Celtic needing a strong result regardless of other outcomes.

Hatate’s Recent Form and History in Big Games

Hatate’s limited minutes contrast with his earlier contributions this season. In a thrilling 2-2 Old Firm draw at Ibrox in March, Hatate scored a dramatic late penalty on his third attempt after two saves by Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland, rescuing a point for Celtic. That performance highlighted his clutch ability in derbies.

Earlier, in January at Celtic Park, Hatate featured in a 1-3 loss to Rangers, but his involvement showed his role in key matches.

O’Neill has previously praised Hatate’s work ethic, dismissing unhappiness rumours and noting extra training sessions. In March, post-Rangers draw, O’Neill said Hatate “has to get the best out of himself” after a tough season.

In a Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox in early March, Hatate started for Celtic, alongside Luke McCowan and Benjamin Nygren in midfield, with Viljami Sinisalo in goal and Daizen Maeda up front. Substitutes included Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Forrest.

How Does Hatate Fit into O’Neill’s Squad Strategy?

Under Martin O’Neill, Celtic have rotated midfield options amid the title chase. Hatate’s bench role follows decisions in extra-time games like against St Mirren at Hampden, where changes were made elsewhere. Reports suggest O’Neill could time a Hatate return perfectly for the derby.

Celtic’s recent form includes a hard-fought 2-1 win over Hibernian, with Hatate unused. O’Neill’s comments indicate flexibility, not ruling out surprises based on players’ big-game pedigrees.

What Is the Broader Context of the Title Race?

This derby comes late in the season with three games left for Celtic. Hearts lead the Scottish Premiership, but Celtic remain in contention. The Motherwell vs Hearts game on Friday night could shift momentum.

Past derbies this season were high-scoring thrillers: the March Ibrox draw with Hatate’s heroics and Youssef Chermiti’s brace for Rangers, including an overhead kick. Earlier previews predicted Celtic wins, like 2-1 probabilities.

O’Neill’s management has revived Celtic, per previews, though Rangers pose a test. Hatate’s potential role adds intrigue to the lineup battle.

Background of the Development

Reo Hatate joined Celtic in January 2023 from Sint-Truiden, quickly becoming a key midfielder with his dynamic play. Injuries have hampered him, including a knee issue ruling him out of the 2025 Scottish Cup final.

Under Martin O’Neill’s tenure this season, Celtic have chased titles while managing squad rotation amid dense fixtures. Hatate’s recent benchings follow impactful substitute roles, like the March Rangers draw. This situation reflects typical end-of-season management in the high-pressure Scottish Premiership, where experience in derbies is valued.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Celtic Fans

Hatate’s possible inclusion could boost Celtic fans’ optimism for a title push, providing midfield creativity in the final derby. If selected, his big-game experience might stabilise the team against Rangers, aiding momentum with three games left. Non-selection could heighten concerns over depth, potentially increasing pressure if results falter, though O’Neill’s options like McCowan offer alternatives. Fans may watch closely for signs of form regain, influencing perceptions of the title race outcome.