Greg Taylor says Celtic will miss “the perfect professional” heading for summer exit

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Celtic have had lots of popular personalities during the period of rebuild and success following the dreadful pandemic season.

Josip Juranovic caught the imagination of the support, as did Giorgos Giakoumakis before leaving for pastures new. Jota was an undoubted superstar during his time here, as was former manager Ange Postecoglou.

The Bhoys will be losing another this summer when Joe Hart finally calls time on his long footballing career.

The trophy-laden Englishman has been an integral part of the team since joining Celtic but will leave the club this summer after announcing his retirement in February.

Yes, there have been complaints about Celtic potentially upgrading the position and some mistakes along the way but overall he’s been a consistent presence in a very successful group.

Joe Hart is an example to others at Celtic

He’ll be a big miss in the dressing room, too. Many have shared how important his leadership is and defender Greg Taylor is the latest to talk about that.

The left-back said [Daily Record, 22/03 print edition]: “Joe is the perfect professional. He’s always willing to put an arm round a player if he needs it and if someone needs a bit of firing up he is there as well.

“He really reads every situation well and carries himself like the top professional that he is. How humble he is after everything he has done in the game is unbelievable.

“He’s been massive. Certainly since Christmas, it’s been picked up on some of the massive saves that Harty has made for us, it’s been vital in some of the games.

“I think that has been pretty consistent throughout his time here, he’s made big saves when he’s been needed and we’ll miss him of course when he goes. But he wants to go out when he’s feeling good, he doesn’t want to carry on any longer than he feels is necessary. As I said, and also he believes, he wants to try and finish the season right.”

Celtic can still move on strongly in the goalkeeping position

Hart undoubtedly needs to be replaced with a new signing. Neither Scott Bain nor Benjamin Siegrist have shown anything to suggest they can step up and take a number one spot.

Celtic have an opportunity to go out and spend money on a quality alternative to Hart – a player who can cement himself as the go-to choice over the next several years.

The Bhoys have the resources and the time to do that. There can be no excuses when it comes to strengthening this position in the upcoming transfer window. It’s too vital a part of the team.