Celtic legend Peter Grant has suggested that Rangers wished they had someone of Joe Hart’s mindset at Ibrox.
Celtic’s number one goalkeeper was lauded for his ‘personality’ and how he steps up when it matters most, even though ‘people are critical of him and his performances’, on occasions.
This conversation stems from how Peter Grant thinks that Rangers’ squad, on paper, is ‘stronger’ than what they had last season.
Yet, despite such hype in the summer, they have just sacked Michael Beale and are already seven points behind Celtic in the table, not forgetting that 1-0 defeat at Ibrox.
Whilst a lot has been said about Rangers’ recruitment and how that has been poor, that’s something that Peter Grant isn’t having because he feels the issue is how the second-placed side deals with difficulty, as he told Go Radio.
Even though Joe Hart has had some iffy moments, including in the Champions League, his mental toughness can’t be touched, that’s why he is a Treble-winner in the colours of Celtic.
Joe Hart’s mindset
“All the boys they were bringing in, they were raving about them and telling them they were going to be game-changers and whatever,” said Grant.
“So, you think that the Rangers squad is, no doubt, stronger if they are all fit. Stronger than what it was last season.
“Did anybody expect to lose Jota (at Celtic)? Starfelt? Carter-Vickers (through injury)? You name it. We can keep going on. People were saying ‘Celtic look weaker’. And I did say that Celtic looked weaker. It shows you there is a mindset somewhere within the group and (lack of) big personalities (at Rangers).
“We talk about Joe Hart and how important he is. People are critical of him and his performances, now and again. He has made big saves at his moments. But it’s his personality in the dressing room.
“I don’t really see that (at Rangers). I’m not being critical of the captain in any shape or form – they have been constantly chasing Celtic for many years, let’s not kid ourselves.”
Clear minds ahead
Months into Brendan Rodgers’ second return at Celtic, things are looking cool, calm and collected.
The performances on the domestic scene have been outstanding, with new faces and old faces shining bright.
Reo Hatate is the man in the spotlight, as of this moment, with the Japan star being tipped as an early contender for Player of the Year.
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