Callum McGregor shares class Celtic dressing room reaction to big Joe Hart moment

By John McGinley

March 13, 2023

Goalkeeper Joe Hart received the plaudits of his teammates at half-time during the Celtic win over Hearts at the weekend, following his superb save when the scoreline was just 1-0.

Hart showed lightning-quick reactions to deny Toby Sibbick’s close-range effort with a save low to his left, before sharply sending the ball out of play to stop any Hearts players from scoring on the rebound.

It was a huge moment in the game. Celtic were ahead at that point but denying the Jam Tarts meant Kyogo Furuhashi could double Celtic’s advantage before half-time, with Cameron Carter-Vickers rounding off the scoring after the interval.

Celtic squad hugely appreciate Joe Hart

Captain Callum McGregor has now paid tribute to the veteran goalkeeper and shared that he received the thanks of the squad in the dressing room when the half-time whistle blew.

He said [The Scotsman]: “Joe has done everything in the game and we are lucky to have him. To be a successful team you need a goalkeeper who’s going to make big saves at big moments and he did that for the team on Saturday. The lads all thanked him at half-time because I think we understood it was a big moment.

“It’s brilliant to have someone of that ilk and that personality in the group every day. He is always pushing the young lads and even the experienced ones as well, he has a really good strong core.”

Hart has had ups and downs this season. Undoubtedly he is still a massive contributor to the ongoing positive direction Celtic are heading in, with Saturday’s save more evidence of that. It’s clear he has the respect of Ange Postecoglou’s entire group, too.

Having signed a three-year deal in 2021, it will be interesting to see what the vibes are from both Celtic and the Englishman on his long-term future. Clearly, there’s no reason to rush into any decisions at the moment and Hart’s entire thoughts will be on week-to-week events.

His two-season stint has been a great move for all parties so far and he is laser-focused on delivering yet more trophy success for the Bhoys.

In other news, Odd Liverpool FC club tweet overlooks Celtic excellence.