Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart has joked that he has been ‘borderline useless’ at stopping penalty kicks in recent times for the Hoops.
The 35-year-old has refound his form at Parkhead after joining Ange Postecoglou’s squad from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021.
Hart is seen as a big leadership figure within the Celtic Park dressing room and played his role in helping the Bhoys win a league and cup double last campaign.
The Englishman kept his role between the sticks and is still seen as the Celtic number one, having played the vast majority of games so far this season.
Currently, the Hoops lead the Scottish Premiership by nine points, and Hart and his backline have had their part to play in gaining that early advantage.
This season, the Bhoys have had to face their fair share of penalty kicks, with the introduction of VAR, seeing a rise in the number of spot-kicks given.
However, Celtic fans have begun to notice a trend of Hart not being able to save many of the penalties he has faced from 12 yards in competitive fixtures.
In fact, the only save he made from a spot-kick was during the Hoops’ visit to Tynecastle for one of the first games involving VAR.
However, the follow-up was scored by the home side before the penalty was swiftly retaken after an encroachment in the 18-yard box. Lawerence Shankland stepped up and scored his third goal of the game.
In a recent one-on-one interview alongside fellow goalkeeper Ben Siegrist for Celtic TV, the former England international and his teammate were in great form, discussing many different topics.
From who likes football the most to who has the nicest car, a whole host of talking points were discussed, and it is an entertaining watch for Celtic TV subscribers.
One of the first questions asked to the duo was who is best at saving penalties. Usually, you would expect goalkeepers to argue over this honour.
However, Joe Hart was very honest and let Siegrist take the label of best penalty taker, as he joked that he had been ‘borderline useless’ at saving spot-kicks in recent times.
“It’s 100%, not me,” Hart said in response to the question on Celtic TV as Siegrist laughed.
“It’s you mate. I’m borderline useless at them at the moment.
Joe Hart able to see the bright side of penalty struggles.
Joe Hart has brought plenty to the table during his 18 months at Celtic Park. However, it would be fair to say saving penalties isn’t one of them.
Thankfully, this season, as of yet, the Bhoys are yet to lose any ground in the league due to our opposition scoring a penalty, which I am sure will leave Hart relieved.
Like any striker missing from the spot, I am sure the ex-Manchester City shot-stopper will be desperate to get that disappointing record off his name.
As mentioned, the goalkeeper has brought plenty of positives, though, and he continues to lead the young Celtic squad on and off the field.
For now, it seems as though it is agreed – Ben Siegrist is the best at saving penalties at the club. Although Hart won’t want to be facing any more spot-kicks this campaign, I am sure it is a title he would like to claim as Celtic number one.
In other news, Forgotten Celtic loanee named in TOTW after ‘important participation’ in victory.
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