Brendan Rodgers admits Reo Hatate endured a ‘challenging summer’ with constant speculation around a potential exit. 

The Japanese international has excelled since joining Celtic and his form has attracted interest from clubs across the continent.

Brighton and Hove Albion were strongly linked with a move for Hatate, while Tottenham were also rumoured to be monitoring the midfielder. 

Hatate’s agent shut down reports of a move to Saudi Arabia but there were fears that the 25-year-old could join Jota and Carl Starfelt in departing Pakhead.

Those concerns accelerated when Rodgers omitted Hatate from his starting line-up for the first two games of the season against Ross County and Aberdeen. 

READ MORE: Reo Hatate provides updates on Celtic future amid 'ultimate goal' 

Hatate sustained an injury after his introduction at Pittodrie which kept him out for several weeks, but he’s now ready to return against Dundee this afternoon. 

Hatate was an integral part of Ange Postecoglou’s treble-winning side last season and Rodgers has backed him to return to those levels after a turbulent summer.

“Yeah, he’ll play before Tuesday," Rodgers confirmed. "Whether he starts or not depends. It was a challenging summer for him. Having seen him close up I know it was difficult.

“He’s over that now. It’s just a shame he got injured when he did, but his response to get back has been fantastic. I’ve had a good couple of chats with him. He knows the demands and where we are at – he’s a top-class player.

“It’s about managing him back into it. It will settle down. The window is difficult for players but things settle down once it’s closed.”