Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough has backed up reports claiming Conor Hazard is in talks over a new Celtic contract.
The Scottish Sun first broke the news earlier this week. They stated that Hazard was in discussions and had been since the summer. Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph then tweeted similar news.
Hazard is said to have rejected a new Celtic deal in the summer (The Courier). It’s a decision that appeared to halt a potential loan move to Dundee from happening.
However, Baraclough has confirmed his own belief that these talks are indeed ongoing as we awaits an outcome.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, the Northern Ireland boss said: “Conor puts real pressure now on Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Trevor and Michael McGovern, who is now back in the Norwich team. So I think we’ve been really blessed with our goalkeepers.
“And, at 22 years of age, I was desperate for Conor to get out and play first-team football. I felt he needed it now. Now it’s brilliant that he’s been given a chance by Neil Lennon for Celtic and I believe there’s big contract talks going on just now about him signing a new deal.
“Conor’s wanted to play first-team football and I think he was close to moving in the summer, whether it was on loan or not. He’s ready for regular first-team football — and I’m so pleased Neil’s given him this chance.”
Talks suggest Hazard is getting assurances
It’s become pretty clear that first-team football is Hazard’s primary focus. It’s what Baraclough is demanding of him and something he’s demanding of himself. Remember, he expressed his desire for regular football back in September (Belfast Telegraph).
Therefore, if Hazard is back in discussions after rejecting a new contract, assurances must be there. Not a guarantee that he’ll play every week of course. That right has to be earned. But assurances he’ll get his chance.
We need to get some continuity in the goalkeeping position. Celtic have been mixing and matching between Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain all season. We can’t go throwing Hazard to the sidelines if he continues to impress.
Sure, he’s had minimal work to do. But he did manage to make saves against Lille and Kilmarnock. That’s more than Barkas and Bain have contributed for the most part. So he needs to be given a shot.
If Hazard is getting regular football at Celtic then he’ll almost certainly sign on here. Why wouldn’t he? He wouldn’t get a better opportunity to realise his club and international goals than at Parkhead.
Hopefully these talks are wrapped up in the near future and we can get this all sorted.
In other news, Rangers have now shone a beautiful light on Celtic’s recent achievements.
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