Martin O’Neill dismisses Reo Hatate ‘unhappy’ claims

The Hoops boss acknowledged the Japan international has found it difficult to hit his usual standards in recent weeks, prompting speculation the 28-year-old was frustrated after a proposed move failed to materialise during the January transfer window.

However, O’Neill said he has spoken at length with Hatate and is confident the playmaker remains fully dedicated to get back to his best.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s Europa League showdown with Stuttgart at Celtic Park, the Hoops manager also rejected any doubts over the player’s attitude, insisting Hatate is determined to make a positive contribution during the crucial stage of the season.

O’Neill said via Daily Record: “I don’t think that, no. That might have existed in the last couple of months or something. But now, since the window, no, he just has to try and regain form. He wants to knuckle down. He said this to me. He wants to really knuckle down.”

“I think that some of these lads are concerned about maybe not getting into the World Cup squad in the summertime. I think that that would eventually be some sort of by-product of what you do here. He’s really got to knuckle down and be the player that he was.”

O’Neill also dismissed suggestions that concerns over international duty have affected Hatate’s performances, revealing the midfielder has been working extra hard in training as he looks to rediscover his rhythm.

He said: “I think he’s searching for form. I think that’s what it is. And in fairness to the lad, seriously, he wants to stay for extra. He’s not the first one to leave the pitch at the end [of training].”

“He wants to do things. I think he’s frustrated with it because of the player that he was. And then he has to find the reasons for it. He wants the full commitment now, between now and the end of the season.”

O’Neill has urged Hatate to take on greater responsibility in this evening’s encounter with Stuttgart, particularly with Arne Engels sidelined through injury and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain unavailable after joining the club beyond the UEFA squad registration cut-off.

The Celtic boss outlined: “If he puts his mind to it. We’ll see. I haven’t picked a side yet. But I think he knows if he was sat here now with you and had an interpreter, he’d be saying the same thing.”

“He has to search for this form himself. And eventually, you can talk to your blue in the face, but players have to try and sort it out.”