Joe Hart’s Celtic future just became clearer as Brendan Rodgers poses key question

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has suggested Joe Hart may not be his number-one choice goalkeeper next season even if he ends up staying at the club.

Rodgers has confirmed he won’t be looking at addressing the goalkeeping position in this January transfer window but has offered a significant hint it will be looked at in the summer.

That means that Hart faces the possibility of not being the go-to man between the sticks at Celtic for the first time if he opts to extend his expiring contract.

And Rodgers has now posed the key question – is he willing to be a backup when he is separated from living with his family?

Brendan Rodgers on Joe Hart future at Celtic

The Celtic boss said [Sunday Post, 07/01 print edition]: “It’s nothing that we’re looking at just now. There are other areas we have to look at. There will be positions in the summer we’ll be able to improve and it will be the same in January. But I love working with Joe, he’s a great guy. Hopefully, he continues.

“We haven’t spoken about it (what happens next). At that age, I think he’s just happy to be playing. Joe’s family is down south so he’s shown incredible commitment to be up here. Are you going to stay up here without your family if you are not playing as a number one?

“He’s had a long career and I love being with him every day. He has a real positive energy and he’s been a great leader for this team. We’ll have a chat about it – him and I – towards the end of the season.”

It’s not a stretch to read between the lines here and surmise that Rodgers is planning a big change for the goalkeeping position long-term.

Rodgers is never going to disrespect Hart and suggest his time is up at Celtic but it would take a massive sacrifice for Hart to continue at the Bhoys while sitting on the bench every week.

A change to a long-term option is needed at some point and the summer window looks the prime time to do it.

Hopefully, the club have a solid replacement lined up because we’ve seen in recent years how goalkeeping disruption can impact the team’s fortunes.

In other news, Brendan Rodgers explains ongoing issue for Kyogo at Celtic.