Martin O'Neill says he has no issue with Reo Hatate despite reduced minutes and previews team news for the Scottish Cup semi-final
The Celtic midfield selection has become a talking point after Reo Hatate was left out of recent starts despite previously being a regular. Hatate’s last starting appearance came against Dundee United more than a month ago, and he was an unused substitute in the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren and in the subsequent Premiership match versus Falkirk.
Across the last four fixtures he has accumulated just 17 minutes on the pitch, a sharp drop for a player who has been influential since joining the club four years ago. The change has prompted discussion about form, confidence and squad balance.
Martin O’Neill has publicly downplayed any friction with the Japanese midfielder, saying he remains a valued member of the group. O’Neill revealed that he held a conversation with Hatate in February to address his dip in performance, and at the time he believed the player was willing to contribute.
Still, Hatate now finds himself behind the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arne Engels and Luke McCowan in the selection queue. O’Neill, the outgoing interim manager, has also highlighted how short confidence can be in midfield roles when a few errors accumulate.
Manager perspective and selection rationale
O’Neill has been frank about the ebb and flow of a midfielder’s form, stressing that even accomplished players can suffer brief slumps. He described Hatate as a “fine footballer” and reminded observers that a run of mistakes can dent self-belief quickly. The manager also pointed to the healthy competition inside the squad, with Arne Engels returning from injury and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain contributing decisive goals. O’Neill quipped that he was “pleading the fifth” when asked whether he agreed with past comments from Brendan Rodgers about Hatate being frustrating, preferring instead to focus on squad management and immediate match preparation.
Maeda’s scoring form and transfer context
While Hatate’s minutes have fallen, Daizen Maeda has begun to find his scoring touch again. O’Neill noted the forward’s improved confidence but emphasized that the summer transfer market could still rearrange the squad: Maeda reportedly has a year left on his contract and had previously been linked with a move to Wolfsburg that never materialised. The manager recalled that a contract was put in front of Maeda and not signed at the time, and that the failure of a potential Bundesliga move may have unsettled him. O’Neill stressed he cannot guarantee Maeda will stay beyond the season and that any decision would rest with the club and the player in the transfer context.
Competition for places and short-term planning
O’Neill has repeatedly referred to the value of internal competition as a tool to maintain standards. He pointed out that some newcomers and returning players are pressing for minutes and that managers must weigh form, fitness and tactical fit. The manager also praised those who have produced match-winning moments, noting that a handful of goals from a player like Oxlade-Chamberlain can alter selection dilemmas. The immediate focus, according to O’Neill, is on the next batch of fixtures and ensuring the squad can cope physically and mentally during the run-in.
Scottish Cup semi-final: team news, officials and viewing details
Celtic travel to Hampden for the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren, with several selection and availability questions shaping the team sheet. The squad faces enforced absences including the suspended Liam Scales and long-term injuries to Kasper Schmeichel, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota and Julian Araujo. Callum Osmand and Alistair Johnston are reported to be stepping up their recoveries but are unlikely to feature, while Colby Donovan could return from a knock. O’Neill is expected to deploy Vil Sinisalo in goal, with a backline featuring Kieran Tierney and Tony Ralston, and centre-back options that include Benjamin Arthur, Auston Trusty or Dane Murray. The manager may name Callum McGregor as captain and factor in whether Reo Hatate starts alongside Benji Nygren.
Match officials and broadcast arrangements have been confirmed: referee Matthew MacDermid will take charge with assistants Calum Spence and David Roome, and Kevin Clancy on VAR. Kick-off is set for 2pm with Premier Sports 1 beginning coverage at 1:30pm. Off-field chatter continues too: pundit Michael Stewart has been banned from the stadium by the SFA but was still involved in broadcast analysis from outside the ground. As attention turns to Hampden, Celtic’s selection choices and player futures remain central talking points.
