Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou's brilliant Joe Hart comments

By John McGinley

October 31, 2021

Ange Postecoglou has lauded Joe Hart for the influence he’s had on Celtic so early in his Hoops career.

Hart arrived as a summer signing after a long time without regular week-to-week football. Although once at the pinnacle of English football, there were a lot of question marks about how he’d perform and fit into this Celtic team.

Since then he’s become a real crowd favourite. Not only making big saves, he’s been a vocal presence on and off the pitch, striking up a real rapport with Celtic supporters.

And Postecoglou has revealed he’s been huge in the dressing room too, especially when helping out recently appointed captain Callum McGregor.

As quoted by The Scotsman, the Bhoys boss said: “When I signed Joe, it wasn’t just because he’s an outstanding goalkeeper. I felt, the way it was with so many new players, that I had to bring some experience into the dressing-room.

“I needed someone to help Cal [Callum McGregor], who is a new skipper himself. And Joe has been a great influence from day one. He came in with the right attitude, wanting to be successful and wanting to learn. I think he’s enjoying his football, which is really important at this stage of Joe’s career.

“I wanted him to enjoy it and get better – and I think he’s done that. He’s been great for us. On the field, he’s bought into the way we want to play and he’s an important part of that. He hasn’t had too many saves to make. But on Wednesday night, he made two big ones. He’ll probably say that’s what he’s there for but it’s pleasing to see and hopefully it continues.

“In terms of how he feels, he’s best placed to answer that. But I think it’s showing that he has a real affiliation with the club already. He understands Celtic, he has a really good bond with the supporters and knows how important they are. All those types of things can only help.”

Hart has undoubtedly been one of Postecoglou’s most successful signings so far. He’s made an impact that suggests he could be a mainstay in the Celtic team for quite a while.

The former England international is 34, but that’s not ridiculously old by goalkeepers in the modern era, especially under a coach like Stevie Woods who had so much success with Craig Gordon and Fraser Forster.

Like he was at Easter Road, the shot-stopper will be vital against Ferencvaros this Thursday. The Hungarians will be more attack-minded than they were in Glasgow and have enough about them to create a couple of chances that need to be dealt with.

Hart will have another opportunity to show why he’s become a main man at Celtic.

In other news, Cut off from board and no money: Former manager delivers the truth on Celtic exit.