Manchester City legend Richard Dunne is hoping to make a visit to Celtic Park next season to watch the Bhoys take on Rangers, as he tips old pal Joe Hart to continue on as the club’s number-one goalkeeper.
With just a year left on his contract, some see this summer as a pivotal one for Hart. He’s pulled off some quality saves over the last season but, equally, there’s an argument that his position is due an upgrade as much as any other.
A new manager coming in could have his own ideas about what sort of shot-stopper he wants, but Dunne reckons that his former teammate has plenty left in the tank.
Speaking to The Sunday Post [11/06 print edition, Post Match supplement page 14], Dunne said: “A new guy will come in and Joe will be determined to show he is still number one. Goalkeeping is such a specialised position and any side that wants to be successful needs to have a talented person between the sticks.
“Guys such as Joe do not grow on trees. His experience and influence in the dressing room will be key as Celtic look to keep progressing. They will want to remain the dominant force in Scotland and control their own backyard. I think Joe can help them do that.
“But I also know that Joe would never take anything for granted. He will work really hard. It will be a new slate for everyone under a new manager but I do expect Joe to emerge as the number one.”
Dunne will be hoping to meet up with Hart next season if he makes it to Celtic Park. The former defender, who was voted Man City player of the year in four successive seasons between 2005 and 2008, told the paper that tales from Stiliyan Petrov and Martin O’Neill have whetted his appetite to experience Paradise for himself.
The 80-time Republic of Ireland cap has also tipped the Bhoys to go on and win the league again under a new manager, despite the challenge from across the city. He’s left no-one in any doubt about who his preferred team in Glasgow is.
In other news, Report: Ajax turn attention away from Celtic job candidate.
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