Celtic goalkeeper Conor Hazard admits that a loan move in January may benefit him in the long-term.
The 21-year-old currently finds himself fourth in the Hoops pecking order behind Fraser Forster, Craig Gordon and Scott Bain. Hazard is still confident that he can make the cut at the Scottish champions, but he does admit that getting game time should be his number on priority.
“I’ll see what Celtic have planned for me,” he told the Belfast Telegraph. “But if things don’t work out between now and January in terms of matches I would be looking to get more game time out on loan. If that happens hopefully I can get the right club for me.
“My aim is to make the grade with Celtic. I need to keep my head down, work hard and try to impress in training every day.
“I’m waiting for my opportunity to play and when that opportunity arrives I have to take it. Whenever I’m thrown in I’ll be ready to go.
“Working with the other goalkeepers and training with them every day is very good for me because I’m just 21 and I’m still trying to learn and develop.”
Hazard can learn a lot from the other Celtic goalkeepers
Hazard’s final point is a very valid one. In Forster and Gordon, in particular, he can learn from two experienced, top-class goalkeepers. The pair have played for years in the English Premier League as well as representing their respective countries on numerous occasions.
If Hazard can take positive bits from both men and Bain’s games, as well as learning from Stevie Woods, then he really does have a bright future ahead of him.
He has enjoyed loan spells with Championship pair Falkirk and Partick Thistle in recent years but it would be great to see him get some regular game time in the Premiership if he moves in January. Of course, it’s difficult to break into a top-flight team halfway through the season but you do feel that that’s the next step Hazard has to take if he’s going to make it at Parkhead.
But he talks a very good game. Celtic fans will just be hoping he can match that on the pitch when he does get his chance.
Hazard is likely to be in action for the Northern Ireland under-21s on Friday night when they host Malta.
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