Manchester City youngster labels Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart as his “idol”

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Manchester City youngster Cieran Slicker has named Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart as his idol and has stated there’s “nobody better”.

Slicker, currently first-choice for Man City U23s and Scotland U21s, has spoken to Hart in the past, with the Celtic goalkeeper giving him plenty of advice.

Hart, of course, remains a legend with City. He managed just under 350 appearances for the Citizens, and was their number 1 when they secured their most famous league championship win back in 2012.

And today, Slicker has been talking up Hart’s influence in a feature video published by the Manchester club this afternoon. Below is what he had to say on the current Celtic number 1:

“He’s my idol. Growing up watching him when I was ball-boying. I’ve been lucky enough to speak to him a bit over the past few years which is really nice and getting to know him a little bit and obviously giving me advice.

“But yes there’s nobody better in my opinion and obviously from City and stuff the career he’s had is amazing.”

Still plenty of life in Joe Hart’s career yet as he continues his legacy at Celtic

No surprises to see this. After all, Joe still sets the benchmark for what a young goalkeeper at Manchester City should aspire to be.

It’s also yet another example of him showing exactly what kind of leader he is both on and off the field. Many professionals wouldn’t give as much interest in the young up-and-comers as Hart does. The fact that Slicker has memories of conversations with Hart in the past is top class stuff.

No doubt it’s proved invaluable for him too. After breaking into the Scotland U21 team over the summer, it’s clear he’s making progress.

As for Hart, it’s important not to speak about him as if his career is coming to its end. The former England number 1 is still only 34 years of age. That’s not particularly old for a goalkeeper. And given the quality performances he’s been putting in at Celtic Park, there’s clearly a lot more he’s got to give.

Of course, Hart had disappointing spells with the likes of West Ham United, Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur after leaving City respectively. He hasn’t really been able to find much of a home since his permanent City departure in 2018.

It looks as though he has that at Celtic Park. Judging by Slicker’s comments on him here, that bodes extremely well for the Parkhead youngsters.

In other news, Pat Bonner states Chris Jullien will need to wait until next season for Celtic opportunity