Ex-Celtic starlet Si Ferry has waxed lyrical about midfielder Reo Hatate, claiming he could "play for any team in England".

The 25-year-old has eight goals and nine assist in 37 appearances for the Scottish champions so far this season.

And the Open Goal Broomhill boss feels the playmaker could easily make the cut in the Premier League.

"The one for me that could play in any team in England, is Hatate," said Ferry, speaking on Open Goal.

"Whether it is a team that is battling for survival, or a team right at the top – I think he can go play there.

"He is still young."

READ MORE: Kevin McKenna on Celtic: Joe Hart deserves more appreciation

Another former Hoops player who rates the Japanese midfielder is Scott Brown. 

The ex-Parkhead captain spoke at a press conference to promote his night at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow with ex-team-mate Mikael Lustig.

And Brown revealed what he likes about the Japan international and Ange Postecoglou's team as a whole.

He said: "Definitely (I would have liked to play) with Reo in the middle of the park. He has great energy and definitely as I got older it would be have been great to play alongside him so he could have done some of my running.

"Kyogo always plays with a smile on his face. I just enjoy watching their energy. Jota seems to be enjoying his football as well.

"It is good that they have got that turnaround and the board have backed the manager which is fantastic.

"You back the manager and he has the quality to come in as well. His recruitment has been exceptional."

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