Celtic have been the team to beat in Scotland over the past couple of years and one player who has played a key part in that has been Joe Hart.
The former England international arrived at the club in 2021 for a fee of just £1 million and has gone on to make 134 appearances in all competitions for the Bhoys, keeping 58 clean sheets, per Transfermarkt.
Hart’s leadership, pedigree, and experience have enabled him to become a crucial cog at Parkhead under Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers.
Naturally, at 36, there is increasing speculation surrounding the former Manchester City number one’s future at Parkhead, with his contract expiring in the summer.
Expressing his gratitude, the Hoops stopper has indicated that he loves playing for this ‘amazing club’ every time he pulls on the jersey. However, he says that the decision on whether he will continue is ultimately out of his hands.
Nevertheless, his commitment to Celtic cannot be questioned, especially after Rodgers revealed that his family still lives south of the border.
Joe Hart backs Matt O’Riley to continue his Celtic form
As we all know, Hart isn’t the only player at Celtic to have had rumours circulate about their future at the Scottish champions of late.
Danish playmaker Matt O’Riley has been subject to heavy interest from Atletico Madrid this month, culminating in a failed bid of an initial loan with an obligation to buy the 23-year-old outright in the summer from the La Liga giants.
Since then, Hart has spoken about whether he believes attention surrounding the former MK Dons man will impact him mentally, to which he replied [The Herald]: “That’s for Matt to talk about; I can only support him as a teammate.”
He then backed O’Riley to maintain his excellent consistency for the Bhoys, stating: “He is an excellent player and someone I love playing with and being a part of from a social point of view.
“When you play at the levels he’s at people are going to be interested. Such is life. But he shows his commitment every single day to what we’re trying to do and long may that continue.”
Matt O’Riley has been pivotal for Celtic this season
Few Celtic supporters would argue against the notion that O’Riley has been their side’s best player at the halfway point of this campaign.
Featuring 30 times in total, the London-born midfielder has registered ten goals and 12 assists across all competitions for the Hoops [Transfermarkt].
In the Scottish Premiership, Fotmob show that he has also been Celtic’s most consistent player during league action, obtaining an average match rating of 8.09/10.
Rodgers has confirmed that the Dane will stay at Parkhead for the remainder of this term and he will be relied upon heavily as the Hoops look to bring home a third successive league title [Sky Sports].
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