Reo Hatate is focused on Hampden

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Celtic F.C.

·17. April 2025

Reo Hatate is focused on Hampden

Reo Hatate is relishing the chance to return to Hampden Park this weekend as Celtic gear up for Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone, and the Japanese midfielder is clear in his mindset: he wants to win the cup.

The Hoops midfielder was part of the side that fell to the Perth outfit in the recent Scottish Premiership clash at McDiarmid Park, and he’s determined to use that result as motivation for the semi-final showdown

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“I want to win the Scottish Cup.” Hatate said.

“We played against St Johnstone and we lost against them in the last game in the league. I have to put in hard work in the next game and do my best for the team.”

Hatate’s performance in last weekend’s 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Celtic Park saw him score twice in a scintillating team display, and he’s hopeful that momentum can carry into the Hampden encounter.

“I play for the team in every game and I know the relationships.” He explained.

“It’s important to score for me, and I will do my best in the next game.”

The 27-year-old has enjoyed several visits to the National Stadium since joining the Hoops, but he’s still chasing his first personal milestone there.

“I have never scored a goal at Hampden Park.” He admitted.

“I want to try and score a goal in the next game. It is important to win the next game. I have good memories at Hampden Park.”

And when asked to reflect on his favourite memory in Mount Florida, Hatate didn’t hesitate to name this season’s League Cup final – a dramatic Glasgow derby that ended with silverware heading back to Paradise once again.

“I think the League Cup final from this season.” He smiled.

“We played against Rangers and it was 3-3. We went to penalties and it was hard, and I played the full game. It was a tough game but we won the League Cup and it made me most happy.”

You can watch the full interview with Reo Hatate now by subscribing to Celtic TV, as well as the full match live if you are outside the UK and Ireland.

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