Nick Montgomery praised Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart for his efforts in between the sticks after the 2-1 win over Hibernian at Easter Road on Wednesday night.
It was another away fixture where Celtic made life difficult for themselves and that shouldn’t have been the case, especially given that Adam Idah had opened the scoring after ten minutes via the penalty spot.
The home team haven’t exactly had the best of times themselves this season, including at the weekend when they were thrashed 3-0 against St Mirren.
But they proved to be a different test and tougher animal for Celtic to deal with, as a late Adam Idah penalty proved to be the difference maker.
Whilst Hibs boss Nick Montgomery was unhappy at the awarding of the penalties, he was sure to recognise the performance of Joe Hart, as he told Sky Sports.
The £1 million signing, who is out of contract in the summer, might have some critics, but he has stepped up in the key moments again.
The same could be said for the dropped points at Aberdeen at the weekend, with Joe Hart now continuing that fine form in Edinburgh.
Joe Hart against Hibernian
“Joe Hart is a top keeper, let’s be honest,” said Montgomery. “He has pulled off a great save from Myziane Maolida’s overhead kick.”
New contract for Joe Hart?
The Englishman is out-of-contract in the summer and there haven’t been any signs to suggest that a new deal will be offered to the 36-year-old.
It was interesting that Celtic decided against bringing in a goalkeeper in January, even purchasing someone where they can settle him in and then take the number one gloves down the line.
Whether Hart is handed a new deal or not, the club need to be pro-active here and sign a new shot-stopper, so that at least he can be challenged.
There have been occasions this season where the former Manchester City man has been questioned, so it’s better to be safe than sorry when looking towards next season.
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