"I don't rest players"; Celtic boss clears up Joe Hart confusion in BBC interview

By David Walton

December 22, 2021

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou confirmed that Joe Hart is currently injured as he refuted the suggestion he rested players tonight.

The Hoops were without as many as 11 first-team stars whilst Carl Starfelt was suspended. Many of the injured stars were well known to the Celtic support heading into the game. Hart, however, wasn’t one of them.

Joe was a major part of the cup final win against Hibernian on Sunday but was replaced by Scott Bain as he dropped out of the squad altogether against St Mirren.

And speaking to BBC Scotland after tonight’s dismal 0-0 draw in Paisley [22/12, 22:07] Postecoglou said the following when asked whether Hart was sidelined:

“All of them were unavailable. No-one was rested tonight. I don’t know where that came from, I don’t rest players. If they want a rest they can have a rest when they are 45.

“Everyone who wasn’t playing tonight was unavailable – either suspended or injured.”

Celtic fans will be desperate to know extent of Joe Hart knock

Celtic didn’t necessarily need Hart tonight. Bain didn’t have much to do if anything, and he mopped up the odd cross or shot efficiently enough.

But at the same time, we know our back-up goalkeepers simply cannot be relied upon for the long-term. That’s why it’s essential we find out the extent of any knock picked up by the former Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur star.

Of course, after the Boxing Day clash vs St Johnstone, the league will go into cold storage for 3 weeks. That will give any injured star the opportunity to get themselves back into shape.

Celtic fans will be itching to see Hart back in the sticks before then of course. The goalkeeper will likely be called into greater action at St Johnstone on Sunday for example. You would much rather have Joe in there than any of our alternatives.

So in truth, it’s a disappointing update from Ange. Especially when you consider Hart made some big saves against Hibernian in the cup final on Sunday.

All eyes then on any developments here. But Celtic fans will be breathing a sigh of relief that the winter break will indeed be pulled forward.

In other news, The Celtic supporters are all blaming the same thing after dismal St Mirren display