Celtic goalkeeper Conor Hazard has again been chosen to represent Northern Ireland.
The young shot-stopper, who featured as Celtic won an unprecedented Quadruple Treble, was picked by NI coach Ian Baraclough [Irish FA]. He joins some other familiar names, like reported target Ali McCann, and former Celtic man Niall McGinn.
There are a raft of untested youngsters in Baraclough’s squad. The likes of Chelsea defender Sam McLelland and Liverpool youth player Conor Bradley feature. Former Celtic Academy keeper Liam Hughes, now also at Liverpool, retains his place.
After a strange season for Hazard, some international continuity can only be a good thing. While Vasilis Barkas featured late in the 20-21 campaign, his and Scott Bain’s futures are uncertain. Clearly, goalkeeping will be a department of concern for the next Celtic boss.
For Hazard’s part, he hardly disgraced himself when called upon. A colossus in the penalty shoot-out against Hearts, he still needs to work on commanding his area. Also, his aerial abilities need a lot of work. However, there’s still a ‘keeper with top class potential there.
Excellent news for yet another young Celtic player
It’s not just Hazard, of course; the number of Celtic players and Academy talents being called up across youth levels is staggering.
Tobi Oluwayemi will join the England U19s, Leo Hjelde has been selected for Norway’s U18s, and Ireland have selected Luca Connell and Jonathan Afolabi for the U21s. Hazard’s call-up is little surprise, having featured in the last round of international fixtures, but it’s more welcome news nonetheless.
Hazard, you may recall, showed flashes of quality but ultimately endured a strange return to the NI squad against the USA. Despite his fantastic penalty saves for Celtic against Hearts, his reactions were lacking against Christian Pulisic’s tame effort.
He’ll be looking for redemption, to a degree, but also to impress the next Bhoys boss. At just 23, time is most definitely on his side.
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