Celtic youngster Conor Hazard makes brilliant u-turn on Parkhead future

By David Walton

March 3, 2021

Celtic youngster Conor Hazard has made a class u-turn on his future after penning a new two-year contract today.

The Hoops officially announced the news via their official Twitter account. It means that Hazard is tied down to the club until the summer of 2023.

This ends any speculation over the player’s long-term future. Hazard’s original deal was due to expire this summer. That was despite the fact the player broke into the Parkhead first-team earlier on this season.

Back in the summer, Hazard’s future at Parkhead looked in real doubt. The player had reportedly rejected fresh terms as he looked for more consistent game-time [The Courier]. This also came after Celtic had blocked a loan move to Dundee.

However, he pens a new contract having made seven appearances for the club this term. In recent weeks, he’s been back-up once again to Scott Bain. Vasilis Barkas has dropped out of recent squads.

A huge boost for Celtic; Conor Hazard will have Parkhead jersey in his sights as future is secured

It’s brilliant all-round that this deal has been secured. For Celtic, it ties a promising young shot-stopper with extensive first-team experience to the club. For Hazard, it gives him a huge opportunity to impress a new manager.

As things stand, there is no solid number one at Parkhead. With Barkas out of the picture and Bain clearly not good enough for the long-term, it’s a spot that’s there to be seized.

It’ll be interesting to see whether John Kennedy makes a change this weekend too. Celtic take the trip to Tannadice to face Dundee United in the Premiership. Including Hazard, who has yet to lose a game in the first-team, could be one major change now that he’s committed his future.

Conor Hazard in goal for Celtic vs Hibernian (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

His main focus, however, will be on the long-term. In the past he’s had loan spells with the likes of Falkirk, Dundee, and Partick Thistle respectively. It’s time to end all of that. Hazard’s short and long-term future must be at Celtic Park.

One of the main areas of weakness that have concerned supporters in recent months is his lack of aerial dominance. But the stats don’t lie, and Hazard has managed four clean sheets in five appearances.

It remains to be seen where he stands with the new manager in the summer. For now, however, it’s great to see him penning his future with the Hoops.

In other news, Celtic have the opportunity to make history in May.