“There Would Be No Point…” Sutton Urges Postecoglou To Rest Key Celtic Star For Rangers Game

Celtic legend Chris Sutton says he doesn’t want Ange Postecoglou to play Reo Hatate against Rangers this weekend unless the midfielder is 100% fit.

The Japanese international did not feature in the 2-0 win over Ross County due to a hamstring injury but Postecoglou has since said that he is confident the playmaker will be in contention for the derby. Sutton has, however, urged caution with there being plenty of other important games coming up:

“If he’s not fully fit, I wouldn’t risk him. Celtic can afford to lose three games and still win the league, so there would be no point in risking further injury and missing more games. There’s also the Scottish Cup semi-final to think about.”

With hamstring injuries especially, it is important not to rush the player back as there is a real risk of a recurrence. When you consider Hatate will be returning to play in such an intense fixture as well, you would have to think that the safest course of action would be to name him on the bench.

Understudy Tomoki Iwata may find it a steep learning curve as he has never started a Glasgow derby before, but you do feel that the 25-year-old has the ability to cope with the occasion.