FIRED-UP Reo Hatate admits he's desperate to prove his World Cup worth and forge his way into the finals.
The Celtic midfielder is determined to push claims for inclusion with Japan already booked into next summer's showpiece.
Hatate has struggled for game-time under coach Hajime Moriyasu through the qualification stages and was an unused sub during the win over Bahrain four days ago which secured his country's eighth successive appearance in the finals.
The 27-year-old's desire to fight his way into the plans are understandably strong and with an added incentive now clear.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583517504/1742781667/articles/HWBbaks6h1742797186959/9777991828.jpg]
Hatate and team-mate Daizen Maeda are building up for tomorrow's encounter against Saudi Arabia and Moriyasu has hinted he will offer opportunities to fringe players as he begins his longterm planning for the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Parkhead ace, who has made one sub appearance in the seven qualifiers so far, is hoping to turn strong training into more caps.
Hatate said: "We were able to clear the minimum we were aiming for as a team.
"However, personally, I was disappointed with the qualifiers so it's up to me to make use of that.
"Now that we've qualified I want to work hard for the next one. I have to take this frustration out on the pitch.
"It would be best if I could give back to the team what I've been doing. I can't do anything more than that." Hatate believes the Champions League knowhow he has gathered at Celtic can help chieve his aims.
He said: "When results come in I can get excited as a player. That gave me a lot of confidence. We (Celtic) were really asked to work together as a team, to know where to press and also to use the quality of counter attacks to score goals.
"After experiencing the Champions League, I have been able to express myself better this year, both as a team and as individuals, than last year. I think that will be very important if we go beyond the World Cup.
"I'm not imag...
The Celtic midfielder is determined to push claims for inclusion with Japan already booked into next summer's showpiece.
Hatate has struggled for game-time under coach Hajime Moriyasu through the qualification stages and was an unused sub during the win over Bahrain four days ago which secured his country's eighth successive appearance in the finals.
The 27-year-old's desire to fight his way into the plans are understandably strong and with an added incentive now clear.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583517504/1742781667/articles/HWBbaks6h1742797186959/9777991828.jpg]
Hatate and team-mate Daizen Maeda are building up for tomorrow's encounter against Saudi Arabia and Moriyasu has hinted he will offer opportunities to fringe players as he begins his longterm planning for the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Parkhead ace, who has made one sub appearance in the seven qualifiers so far, is hoping to turn strong training into more caps.
Hatate said: "We were able to clear the minimum we were aiming for as a team.
"However, personally, I was disappointed with the qualifiers so it's up to me to make use of that.
"Now that we've qualified I want to work hard for the next one. I have to take this frustration out on the pitch.
"It would be best if I could give back to the team what I've been doing. I can't do anything more than that." Hatate believes the Champions League knowhow he has gathered at Celtic can help chieve his aims.
He said: "When results come in I can get excited as a player. That gave me a lot of confidence. We (Celtic) were really asked to work together as a team, to know where to press and also to use the quality of counter attacks to score goals.
"After experiencing the Champions League, I have been able to express myself better this year, both as a team and as individuals, than last year. I think that will be very important if we go beyond the World Cup.
"I'm not imag...
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Daily Record (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 24, 2025