‘We expect more’ – Burnley boss delivers Reo Hatate verdict after debut assist | OneFootball

Former Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate made an immediate impact on his Burnley debut, although manager Nicky Hayen believes there is still plenty more to come from the Japanese international.

Reo Hatate of Celtic arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on May 10, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Hatate completed his deadline-day move away from Celtic last week, bringing his four-and-a-half-year spell in Glasgow to an end.

The 28-year-old was immediately handed a start for his new club against Bristol City on Saturday and marked his first appearance with an assist, despite Burnley falling to a 2-1 defeat.

Hatate lasted 63 minutes at Turf Moor and showed glimpses of the creativity that made him such an influential figure during his time at Celtic.

Hayen was encouraged by what he saw, particularly Hatate’s ability to operate between the lines and create chances, but believes the midfielder is still working his way towards peak condition after finding himself on the fringes at Celtic towards the end of his spell.

The former Club Brugge boss said via Burnley Express: “You see that we now have players who can play perfectly between the lines, who can give that pre-assist but also assist, who keeps the overview. So it will be in our benefit in the upcoming weeks.

“So the goal was actually a nice example of it, but we also expect more.

“But you cannot expect more when you’re not 100 per cent top and this is what we try to push for every day.”

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