Joe Hart and James McCarthy speak for the first time since signing for Celtic

By Euan Davidson

August 3, 2021

Joe Hart and James McCarthy have described their delight over joining Celtic.

Hart, a highly-decorated English goalkeeper, who starred for Manchester City, has joined in a £1m move from Tottenham Hostpur.

Describing the move as a “great moment”, the 75-capped England international said he couldn’t wait to meet his teammates, or to play in front of the famous Celtic support.

Hart told the Celtic website [Celtic FC]:

“This is a great moment for me in my career and I am absolutely delighted to be joining a club of Celtic’s stature.

“I know just how big this club is and of the incredible support that it enjoys, and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans at Celtic Park.

“I’m looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates now and getting to work with the squad and, in particular, the other goalkeepers here.”

Meanwhile, James McCarthy said it was a significant moment for him and his family [Celtic FC]:

“To have signed for Celtic is a brilliant feeling and this is a special day for me and my family.

“I know all about the club, the size of it and all the success it’s enjoyed, particularly in recent years. I’m looking forward to pulling on the Hoops, playing at Paradise and helping the team deliver more success to these amazing fans in the seasons ahead.”

Joe Hart and James McCarthy make all the right noises after joining Celtic

We know all about the affection James McCarthy holds for Celtic. He was ready to make the move back to Paradise under Brendan Rodgers. A former youth player at Celtic, McCarthy made his name at Hamilton Accies, before moves to Wigan and Everton established him as a Premier League veteran.

So, for him to describe what it meant to his family is particularly sweet. After all, that’s what it’s all about.

Hart, meanwhile, will have seen how Scott Sinclair moved up to Glasgow and connected with the supporters. In the midst of what appears to be an ongoing goalkeeper crisis, Hart is well-placed to end the anxieties of the fans.

While the last few years of his career haven’t been as glittered as his spell at Manchester City, he’s still a potentially solid choice at Celtic’s number 1. Other players, like his former teammate Sinclair, and Bhoys hero Chris Sutton, have joined Celtic after difficult spells in England, and became modern-day greats.

Playing in front of fans is important. Hart has been there, done it and got the caps. So, it’s excellent to hear of his excitement in that regard. While the Celtic Park atmosphere has overwhelmed many a player, it’s perfect for the right player.

Coming in with that attitude will serve him well.

In other news: Izaguirre sets out very interesting post-playing agenda