Celtic have been looking for a turning point in their season, and after many false dawns it really is a case of now or never when the Hoops return from the international break at Almondvale this Sunday,
Brendan Rodgers' men currently sit at the summit of the Premiership, albeit with second-placed rivals Rangers having a game in hand, and given how tight the title race currently is, every game is a must-win.
The importance of each game means that Celtic cannot allow outside factors to affect their performances, with injuries constantly disrupting the team's rhythm and momentum this season.
However, the team will be boosted by the return of two key midfielders to help shore up this Celtic side in the middle of the park, with Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate both looking set to return to the squad this weekend.
The captain is always going to be an important player to this Celtic team, but given how absent the Japanese playmaker has been for the majority of this season with injuries plaguing his campaign, having Reo Hatate back on the pitch could be the biggest boost of them all.
With the success of Celtic's season being determined by the next few weeks, just how much of a game-changer could Reo Hatate be in Celtic's title run-in?
In-game intelligence
Reo Hatate is an incredibly intelligent player and you just have to watch him closely over the course of 90 minutes to see that. He is the best passer in this Celtic team, and he can spot moves that most players in this Celtic side can't.
One of the main criticisms of Celtic this season has been Kyogo Furuhashi's lack of involvement, but having someone like Hatate back in the team could completely change that dynamic. Reo naturally spots many of the runs Kyogo has been making in vain in recent months, and his countryman has been greatly missed in that respect.
Always driving forward
Another criticism of this Celtic team has been that they are far too passive for large periods of games. There has been far too many occasions in-match where Celtic have either been trailing or drawing, and instead of showing the urgency to drive forward and take the game to the opposition, they sit off and pass the ball around without any real penetration.
Reo Hatate is exactly the type of player that can flip the switch in this Celtic team, turning defence into attack and making that driving run, or playing that risky pass, that no one else seems willing or able to make.
Who makes way?
There is a very obvious answer to this question and that is Paulo Bernardo. Matt O'Riley has been lacklustre in the last few fixtures, but he looked closer to his best against St Johnstone before the break, and his quality is known so he must keep his place.
Reo Hatate can slot in seamlessly for Paulo Bernardo, whilst Tomoki Iwata may feel hard done by when he eventually loses his place for the returning Callum McGregor.
James McKenzie // @JamesWHMcKenzie