‘Taking the microphone after Sinatra,’ Nancy is not just replacing Rodgers but also O’Neill

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·2 de diciembre de 2025

‘Taking the microphone after Sinatra,’ Nancy is not just replacing Rodgers but also O’Neill

Reo Hatate appears to have thrived under Martin O’Neill’s return to Celtic, with Chris Sutton noting that the midfielder seems rejuvenated following a difficult start to the season…

Martin O’Neill with Reo Hatate. Easter Road, Sunday 30 November 2025. Hibs v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Over the past week, Hatate has been a standout performer as Celtic secured three important victories on the road against St Mirren, Feyenoord and Hibernian.

OneFootball Videos

The Japanese midfielder arguably delivered his best performance of the season in Celtic’s 3-1 Europa League win in Rotterdam on Thursday night.

He not only scored midweek but he set up another by crossing for Yang’s equaliser. These are traits from Hatate have been absent for some time now.

Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Feyenoord and Celtic FC at De Kuip on November 27, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

That same form against Robin van Persie’s side continued in the league on Sunday, where his pressure on Miguel Chaiwa led to the mistake that let Daizen Maeda to break the deadlock at Easter Road.

Hatate’s influence has went beyond occasional flashes of brilliance, as O’Neill’s guidance has seen him operate higher up the pitch, collect the ball on the half-turn, and lead Celtic’s attacks more intent than what we seen from him in the final days of Brendan Rodgers’ tenure.

Celtic’s midfield has been an issue all season. Rodgers could not get the combination of Callum McGregor/Hatate/Benjamin Nygren to fully function.

Arne Engels of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s fourth goal from the penalty spot during the Premier ship match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on November 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The former Celtic boss also tried Arne Engels and Luke McCowan in there. It looked dysfunctional. But under O’Neill there seems to be a structure and rhythm in the middle of the park for the first time since the Hoops’ successes during the first half of last season.

Now, Chris Sutton believes Hatate is a changed player under Martin O’Neill. “I have to say Hatate under Martin O’Neill has looked a totally different player, hasn’t he?’ he said via Sky Sports. “He really struggled, like many at the start.”

Callum McGregor celebrates with Auston Trusty. Celtic v Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership Celtic Park, 9 November 2025. Photo Mark Runnacle IMAGO /Shutterstock

Hatate is not the only one that looks an improved player under the interim Celtic boss. So too does Auston Trusty, Yang and Arne Engels.

Would it be negligent of the Celtic board to get rid of the current structure which is working so well for the players just now? As pointed out by The Herald columnist Stephen McGowan yesterday, for Wilfried Nancy the task of replacing Martin O’Neill at Celtic is like taking the microphone after Sinatra.

Conor Spence

CELTIC STAR BOOKS – BUY ONE GET ONE FREE OFFER!

Order Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter and your copy will be personally signed by Danny McGrain! Plus you’ll receive a free copy of Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style with your order! Click on image to order…

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star