Celtic still have their dreams of a domestic double intact heading into the final portion of the campaign under Brendan Rodgers.

Despite some topsy-turvy moments this term, the Bhoys have really hit their stride and were aided further by developments last weekend in the Scottish Premiership.

Following Celtic’s 3-0 victory over St Mirren on Saturday, Rangers’ surprise defeat to Ross County less than 24 hours later has kept our four-point advantage alive with just five league matches left to play.

Dundee take on our rivals tomorrow at Dens Park, with plans to move the match to St Johnstone’s McDiarmid Park should they fail a pitch inspection [Sky Sports].

From a Celtic perspective, that could cut our lead to a solitary point at the summit; however, Rodgers’ men find themselves in the driving seat, and we patiently await an update regarding the post-split fixtures that are set to be announced later this week.

Either way, the Irishman and his squad will take their upcoming schedule at face value, hopeful of building on four victories in their last five, the outlier being a commendable draw at Ibrox in difficult circumstances.

Tam McManus on Reo Hatate’s importance to Celtic

Unsurprisingly, Celtic’s controlled recent performances have coincided with the return of midfield maestro Reo Hatate, who has now started three consecutive matches for the first time since last October [Transfermarkt].

Last weekend, the Japan international notched his third strike of the campaign against St Mirren, brilliantly directing an outside-of-the-foot strike past Zach Hemming to grant his side the initiative at Parkhead.

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Looking back to his best, pundit Tam McManus believes that Hatate’s presence in the middle of the park could prove ‘massive’ for Celtic between now and the end of the season, citing his diverse range of qualities.

He stated [PLZ Soccer]: “First half, I though Celtic were the better team without creating tonnes of chances. I think they got the goal at the right time, just ten minutes after half time.

“Hatate, great finish; I thought he was excellent on the day. He’s going to be a massive player for Celtic going forward in the run-in.

“I think they’ve certainly missed his creativity, running power and goals from the middle of the park. He takes the goal and once that goes in, Celtic go on and win the game comfortably.”

Reo Hatate can be Celtic’s key to claiming silverware

Looking at the verticles of power throughout Rodgers’ side, Hatate is up there with the most influential Celtic players, given his ability to grab matches by the scruff of their neck, for lack of a better term.

Per Sofascore, the former Kawasaki Frontale midfielder has averaged 2.4 shots per league match (1.1 on target) alongside a match rating of 7.28/10 despite his limited involvement due to injury.

Celtic look to have Hatate back in the fold at the right time, and he could very well be a difference maker in the hunt for silverware at Parkhead.