Reo Hatate has stepped up his recovery from injury by playing some part in a bounce game for Celtic.

The Japanese midfielder took part in 45 minutes of the Hoops' game against St Mirren, which was played behind closed doors on Wednesday afternoon.

The 26-year-old has been out of action since the beginning of January when he made a cameo appearance against the same team in Paisley. He also picked up a knock on international duty with Japan at the Asian Cup.

With his return to action at Lennoxtown though, it means he could be in contention to play at Livingston a week on Sunday before the huge derby at Ibrox a week later on April 7.

Brendan Rodgers is hopeful of having Hatate, Callum McGregor and Cameron Carter-Vickers all back and fit to play against Rangers, with the title race set to go down to the wire.

Meanwhile, Celtic flop Alexandro Bernabei admitted he couldn't wait to leave the Hoops because he was desperate for a return to South America.

The left-back has joined Brazilian side Internacional on loan after a disappointing stint at Brendan Rodgers' side where he failed to make any real impression.

READ MORE: Alexandro Bernabei in desperate Celtic transfer exit admission

Argentinian defender Bernabei's debut for his new club was delayed after he missed his connecting flight to Brazil last week in Amsterdam.

But the 23-year-old should make his bow next week in the Gaucho Cup tie against Juventude after he was cleared to play by the Brazilian FA.

And he revealed he jumped at the chance of a return to his continent.

He said: "I really wanted to come back and feel what South American football is all about again.

"Wearing this Internacional shirt gives me a lot of emotion and adrenaline. Knowing what this club means makes me want to get going and make an impression here."