ANGE POSTECOGLOU has revealed Reo Hatate's position in the Celtic squad after signing up at Parkhead from the J-League.
The versatile Japan international, 24, has played in midfield, on the left flank and at left-full-back during his career to date.
But for Postecoglou he's been brought to Celtic to play in an attacking midfield role; whether that's centrally or on the wings is yet to be seen.
And while Hatate has shown his capability to play in a variety of roles for J-League back-to-back champions Kawasaki Frontale, he's going to be a midfielder for Celtic.
Speaking about Hatate's role at Celtic, Postecoglou told Celtic TV: “He’s a player I watched develop whilst managing over in Japan and Kawasaki Frontale are a fantastic team. They’ve been the outstanding team for the last five years.
“They’ve got some ridiculous talent within their ranks, and Reo is definitely one of them. You could see that from the moment he stepped into their first team.
“He’s had a lot of success, he played at a club that demands success and wants to win every week which will sound familiar to people involved in this club so I knew that he had the right type of character and temperament.
“In terms of position, he’s a midfielder, he’s an attacking midfielder and he’s one I think will develop over time.
“He’s only had two years of senior football, he came through the university system, so he’s got a lot of upside and I’m really excited to start working with him.”
Postecoglou's comments have given an insight into where the player will fit in at the club; but a Celtic store listing appears to have revealed the players number at Parkhead.
Eagled-eyed fans spotted that when customising a Celtic shirt the option to add the name and number Reo 41 is available.
The web mishap appears to confirm the player will use Reo as his shirt name with the umber 41 selected for his first season playing for Celtic.
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