Celtic goalkeeper Conor Hazard has refused to shirk the responsibility for the error he made at Hampden yesterday.
The Hoops managed to overcome Hearts 4-3 on penalties after a pulsating 3-3 Scottish Cup final stalemate. Hazard would end up being the hero as two key penalty saves turned the shootout on its head and secured the quadruple treble.
However, at the same time, there were concerns there too. The Northern Ireland international was badly at fault for goal number three. He was far too easily bullied in the air, and that led to a stramash that allowed Josh Ginnelly to plod home.
And in fairness to Hazard, he’s in no mood to forget it. He was happy to accept responsibility whilst he passed credit to goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods for his penalty heroics.
As quoted by the Daily Record, Conor said: “There’s always a plan to try and make them go a certain way, and I’m just delighted it paid off. Woodsy and I worked on it really hard ahead of the game, and did a lot of work on it, so I couldn’t be happier.
“It was a crazy day for me, but I’m glad it worked out. You don’t want to know what was going through my head at that point (after the third goal).
“I was quite angry at the time but it was all about bouncing back and trying to get my composure back as quick as possible, which, thank God, I did.”
Celtic must stick with Hazard – mistakes will happen
If we’re being harsh, the third goal wasn’t Hazard’s only mistake. He could’ve been stronger for Hearts’ second goal and he also made an error in running out of his box in the first half. That one could’ve led to a goal for Steven Naismith.
But at the same time, it’s important to recognise what Hazard did well. Those penalty stops weren’t the only time he bailed Celtic out. He had to make up for errors from three senior Celts in both halves.
In the first, Moi Elyounoussi’s flick on led to a glorious chance for Liam Boyce. Hazard sprung out of his goal to nudge the ball away from him. Then in the second 45, a ridiculous mix-up between Shane Duffy and Chris Jullien allowed Ginnelly in. Hazard got down quickly to keep his low strike out. He did a lot more than save two penalties.
And it’s important to realise that mistakes will happen. Hazard is only 22. Sure he’s not 16 or 17, but that’s incredibly young for a goalkeeper. This is also his big chance to be Celtic’s number one. There are always going to be nervy moments, and especially in a Scottish Cup final.
But for Hazard to make the impact he has over the last three games is incredible. He’s seizing his chance. Yes there are deficiencies there that need to be worked on, but you have to stand by your young players when those deficiencies show.
When Celtic host Ross County on Wednesday, Hazard should be in the sticks again. He’ll be buzzing, and another clean sheet would be the perfect way to build on his cup final heroics.
In other news, doubt has been thrown over this Celtic star’s long-term future after some unwelcome comments today.
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