Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou runs rule over Joe Hart Bhoys debut

By Euan Davidson

August 5, 2021

Another game, another debut for Celtic; this time, Ange Postecoglou started new Bhoy Joe Hart against Jablonec.

Broadly speaking, the former Manchester City and Tottenham goalkeeper was solid, if a little green. He showed good command of his area, and was unlucky to concede either goal, as Celtic romped to a 4-2 win.

If the first of Jablonec’s goals was unfortunate, with uncertain defending more to blame than the goalkeeper could be, the second was even more so. Hart came out well and made himself big against the oncoming striker. Unfortunately, a pedestrian shot was given a crucial deflection past Hart.

Bitton could do little to prevent the chip from going over the line. There were encouraging signs, though, especially given how little time Hart has actually had with his new club.

Ange Postecoglou was impressed, but noted there were mitigating factors for Hart’s overall performance.

The Celtic manager said [Glasgow Times]:

“It’s not ideal but we have kind of had to do [throw new players] in the last few games.

“We did it with Carl [Starfelt] and Kyogo [Furuhashi] at the weekend. We don’t have time to waste.

“[Celtic] have brought these guys in for a reason. Joe felt good about starting. [Hart] has had a pre-season so there wasn’t anything fitness wise we needed to worry about.

“He will get a better understanding of the game. [Hart] didn’t have a lot to do. He pulled off an important save at the end.

“[Hart] will get a better understanding of how we want to play and how we want to defend. I’m sure that experience will help him with that.”

Ange Postecoglou is aware that Joe Hart will need to adapt to Celtic, and vice versa

There’s plenty of potential here.

The Celtic defence will need to get used to having a commanding, experienced presence behind him. A vocal leader on the pitch, Hart showed willing to receive the ball.

While there were a couple of scary moments, goals notwithstanding, the Englishman acquitted himself rather well for a rushed debut.

As for Hart getting used to Celtic, the foundation is there. His distribution was often on the long side [FotMob]. Ange Postecoglou will need to drill into his new keeper the need for keeping the ball. After initially looking to distribute to his full backs, Hart often opted for a punt upfield.

That’ll change with confidence, and sometimes that approach is the right answer. Hart will have pressure on him, but simultaneously, he’ll be allowed to expand the scope of what he does with the ball.

It’s all encouraging for Celtic.

In other news: The key Celtic change that will have fans enthralled