Brendan Rodgers and Joe Hart have both been around English football for the best part of two decades.
They’ve competed in the biggest games, sometimes against each other, so it stands to reason that they’d have had a fair bit of contact in the past.
With Rodgers now back at Celtic, and Hart his number one goalkeeper, it was interesting to stick their names in to an internet search earlier.
One notable result came up — some quotes from Rodgers on Hart during the end of the keeper’s time at Manchester City.
It was 2016 and the former England goalkeeper was in the process of being frozen out by new City boss Pep Guardiola.
Hart had been linked with a move to Liverpool and Rodgers, who had just joined Celtic, was asked for his thoughts when appearing on talkSPORT.
“Liverpool is a great club and if his future is not at Manchester City and he’s got the chance to go to Liverpool then I’m sure it is something that he would look at seriously,” Rodgers said.
“I’ve always rated Joe – I think he is an outstanding keeper.
“His close friend James Milner is there as well – Milly and Joe are very close.
“It will be interesting because it’s a great club and if he is to go there then it would be a great move for Joe.”
So, in his own words, Rodgers has “always rated” Hart. He just probably didn’t expect to be managing him in 2023.
The unearthed comments appear to be great news for Hart who has been a really good signing for Celtic over the past two years.
Hart is contracted until 2024 (Celtic) and many may expect next season to be his final one at the club.
If he can help us to at least a few more trophies and make some big saves in Europe, few would be too unhappy.
In other news, Celtic’s Claire O’Riordan has been named in the Ireland squad for next month’s Women’s World Cup
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