The Martin O’Neill train keeps on rolling, and the Celtic fans are loving every minute of it.
The transformation of a previously struggling and drained Celtic side has now won every domestic game, including away in Europe, since O’Neill took the interim job.
That included Celtic’s 2-1 win at Hibernian on Sunday afternoon, with the likes of Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, Kasper Schmeichel, Liam Scales and Auston Trusty all producing strong displays.
But Chris Sutton wanted to give his flowers to Celtic’s midfield maestro Reo Hatate.
Who is your man of the match? 
Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images Reo Hatate under Martin O’Neill
Hatate supplied the assist for Celtic’s opening goal, forcing Hibs’ backline into a mistake and then laying the ball off to Maeda to tap into an empty net.
Under Brendan Rodgers, the Japan star just wasn’t himself, and there were far too many games when he looked a shadow of the player, who could argue he is Celtic’s best player on his day.
But at Easter Road, Sutton told Sky Sports Football (30/11/25) that Hatate looks a ‘totally different player’ under O’Neill’s stewardship.
“I have to say Hatate under Martin O’Neill has looked a totally different player, hasn’t he?! said Sutton. “He really struggled, like many at the start.”
Sum up that win in one word 
Arne Engels scores Celtic’s second goal against Hibernian
Credit: Getty Images/WM Sport Media Hatate’s numbers for Celtic against Hibernian
All of this isn’t a good look on Rodgers because the players were playing nowhere near this level at the start of the season.
Yes, the players themselves need to take responsibility, but Rodgers can’t hide away from how the team declined this season.
But that’s why Celtic fans want O’Neill to stay, because when he is at his best, then the champions of Scotland can beat anyone.
Minutes played: 77Assists: 1Big chances created: 1Passes in the opposition half: 16/18 (89%)Accurate long balls: 1Touches: 40Clearances: 1Recoveries: 1Sofascore: 7.2 Join Our Newsletter
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