Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate was substituted on the hour mark in the derby against Rangers yesterday afternoon without really making an impact on the game.

The Japanese international’s passing was pretty poor whilst he got outfought in midfield by his Rangers counterparts on a number of occasions.

After having such a bright start to life at Celtic Park, Hatate’s recent dip in form is concerning supporters on Twitter, with some questioning whether he should retain his place in the side:

Patience is running very thin with the boy if he’s shattered and he is he’s a passenger and that’s not needed now

— Zoso Jp1 (@ZosoJp07) May 1, 2022

Since the 3:0 game Hatate has went backwards, the boy is off the pace big time

— Sean Gibson (@weesean69) May 1, 2022

I was thinking that something off with him. Just hoping he not struggling. He is a great player. Celtic need him to last rest of the season.

— name can be already in my soul (@cr0w6ar) May 1, 2022

I think he’s a good player and takes up some great positions and sees a pass, however I think he’s struggling just now and a rest would do him good.

— Hugh67 (@gorbalsboy67) May 1, 2022

Guys played a full season in Japan we will see the best of him next season but a do agree he looked off the pace the last few games

— DEL SCOTT (@delscott1990) May 1, 2022

He need packing up until next season. Nowhere near it and he hasn’t been for months.

— Jordan Conte (@JordanConte) May 1, 2022

Should have been hooked earlier we basically were playing with 10 men

— streetwise67 (@streetwise672) May 1, 2022

Sluggish the last 4 weeks

— Indie63 🇯🇵 (@Indie632) May 1, 2022

Hatate has spoken out about being fatigued and his recent performances have been rather lacklustre, to say the least, which raises the question why manager Ange Postecoglou has continued to select him.

It is not as though the Hoops are short of midfielders, with the likes of Tom Rogic, Nir Bitton, David Turnbull and James McCarthy all on the bench yesterday. Perhaps Hatate will be taken out of the firing line when Celtic face Hearts this weekend.