Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has hailed Celtic ace Reo Hatate a ‘serious player’ following a star performance in the Old Firm derby. 

The 24-year-old had a hand in each goal as the Hoops ran out 3-0 winners over Glasgow rivals Rangers. 

Scoring twice from long range and assisting the final strike, Hatate has already made himself a hero at Celtic Park. 

Taking to Twitter after the match, Scotland captain and Glasgow-born left-back Robertson was quick to praise the Japanese forward. 

Signed at the start of January from the J-League side Kawasaki Frontale, the four-cap international teammate of Takumi Minamino has made a bright start to life in Scotland. 

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s own Sadio Mane was playing a starring role as Senegal reached the Africa Cup of Nations final with a 3-1 victory over Burkina Faso. 

The 29-year-old star earned a 9.00 Sofascore rating for a performance containing one goal and one assist whilst becoming the country’s joint-highest scorer. 

READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Is Robertson laying the groundwork for a future transfer perhaps? 

Hatate has taken to life in the Scottish Premiership like a duck to water and whose to say that the Japanese ace can’t make the move to the Premier League next. 

Mane’s exploits look sure to see the £72million valued man crowned player of the tournament should Senegal be triumphant. 

However, a certain Mohamed Salah may have something to say on that should the winger guide Egypt beyond Cameroon and to a final meeting with his Liverpool teammate. 

Who Would You Prefer To See Win The Africa Cup Of Nations?

Sadio Mane

Mohamed Salah