Celtic playmaker Reo Hatate should play as a left-back for Japan, according to one of the country's legends Marcus Torio Tanaka.

The Hoops midfielder won only his fourth cap for his country after appearing as a second-half substitute when Japan beat Canada 4-1 in a friendly.

And Japan's former World Cup defender Tanaka has suggested a new international role for Hatate that he thinks would suit the Celtic star, who used to play left back for former club Kawasaki Fontale.

He said: "I think we should try Reo Hatate out at left-back. He has a very high level of technique. Out of all the subs against Canada, he was by far the brightest.

"His problem is getting into the midfield triangle that Japan plays. I think we should look at using him in another position so we can make use of his skills.

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"Hiroki Ito of Stuttgart and Yuta Nakayama of Huddersfield Town have played in that position recently, but neither have impressed me.

"I think we need more options and Reo Hatate is suited to that position. He is more aggressive than either of them, he loves to move forward, is two-footed, can go inside and can also strike a ball well.

"He can pass and shoot and has played there before. He would be perfect."