Michael Stewart: ‘Bad’ news on the cards for Celtic in Scottish Cup semi-final v Rangers amid Reo Hatate update
Michael Stewart believes Reo Hatate’s injury is “bad” news for Celtic ahead of The Hoops’ Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers.
The Light Blues head into the fixture looking to prevent what will almost certainly be a treble for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Hatate has sidelined with a hamstring injury with there currently being fears the setback could well be a season-ending injury.
Stewart has highlighted the importance of the 25-year-old in Celtic’s midfield and believes he will be a huge miss at Hampden Park.
“Hatate is a big player for me. He’s been a huge player and a really good acquisition for Celtic,” said Stewart (BBC Sportscene 57m 26s, 22 April).
“Looking forward to the semi-final if Hatate isn’t playing that’s a bad one for Celtic.”
Opportunity
There’s an opportunity for the Gers on Sunday (30 April). The Hoops dropped points against Motherwell in their most recent Scottish Premiership clash and could well be there for the taking. The Light Blues were deserving of more the last time the two sides met and will feel they can hurt Postecoglou’s side next weekend.
We all know the significance of the game at Hampden. It’s been a season to forget for the Gers but they can salvage something with a win. The Scottish Cup is the Light Blues’ only chance of silverware and it’s one Michale Beale and the players cannot pass up.
The former QPR boss has avoided criticism since his return to the club, but failure to get one over on the Gers’ fierce rivals would be a large blot on the 42-year-old’ copybook. Rangers are measured against Celtic and a treble heading to Parkhead is an unthinkable scenario, particularly after the highs of the 2021/22 season for the Gers.
In other Rangers news, Beale made a transfer admission to Ally McCoist live on talkSPORT.