Celtic are in a positive collective mood as they prepare to play their final five fixtures of the Scottish Premiership campaign.
Rangers travel to Parkhead on Saturday, and a victory for the hosts would be enough to effectively wrap up a third Scottish Premiership title on the trot amid the Bhoys’ superior goal difference and prospective six-point advantage with two games remaining.
In the scenario of a draw, Celtic would retain plenty of confidence heading into league clashes against Kilmarnock and St Mirren, given the reality that a stalemate doesn’t do anything to move their city rivals into an advantageous position with little time to change the course of the season.
Later this month, Brendan Rodgers has also earned the chance to take on Philippe Clement’s outfit in the Scottish Cup final, which will also be Joe Hart’s final match as a professional footballer before he retires in the summer.
The former England international was brought in for just £1 million under Ange Postecoglou in a deal that caught many Celtic supporters off-guard at the time, from memory.
Nevertheless, he has immersed himself in life at Parkhead, keeping 62 clean sheets in 149 appearances across all competitions over three years [Transfermarkt].
Whatever happens this term, Hart’s departure will be emotional for every Celtic supporter, and his leadership is a commodity that won’t be easy to replace in the upcoming transfer window.
Chris Sutton heralds Joe Hart’s contribution at Celtic
With the Glasgow Derby on the horizon this weekend, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has paid tribute to Hart’s contribution at the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, claiming whoever steps into his place in the summer will have big shoes to fill.
The 51-year-old also believes the ex-Manchester City hero has been a ‘brilliant signing’ on balance for the Hoops, factoring in the ‘presence’ he offers to his back four as the last line of defence.
He stated [Record Celtic Podcast]: “I’ve been impressed with him since day one; big gloves to fill next season, whoever is going to fill them.
“I think there was a section of Celtic support who haven’t been totally convinced with him. I think it’s a really difficult position to play as a Celtic or a Rangers goalkeeper, but I think Joe Hart has been a brilliant signing.
“Ange Postecoglou brought him in, and I know at times you have a heart attack when the ball goes back to him, and he can’t get his feet quite sorted, but Celtic didn’t just need an excellent goalkeeper, Celtic needed a presence at the back, and I think that he’s brought that presence and leadership which has been vitally important.
“Going into this game at the weekend, there are two excellent goalkeepers that will be starting the game.”
Joe Hart has been an enormous presence for Celtic
Hart has had his fair share of doubters as a Celtic player; however, he has proved many people wrong this term, making some vital saves to keep his side in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Per FBRef, the 37-year-old has recorded a save percentage of 70.7% on league duty from 82 shots on target faced, conceding an average of 0.78 goals per 90 minutes.
The time may be right for him to go; regardless, Sutton is correct in suggesting that Celtic will have some big shoes to fill once Hart hangs up his gloves.
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