Celtic have had their fair share of players over the years who have enjoyed distinguished careers at the highest level in football, before or after pitching up at Parkhead.
Henrik Larsson, Virgil Van Dijk and Kieran Tierney are examples of this, though there are plenty of conversations to be had regarding other potential candidates.
Out of the current Hoops squad, former England international Joe Hart stands out as a name who has plied his trade on the elite stage.
Most famed for his time at Manchester City, the 36-year-old made 348 appearances in total for the reigning Premier League champions, claiming 137 clean sheets [Transfermarkt].
Playing a considerable part in the Citizens’ modern history, Hart was the man between the sticks during their eventual rise to prominence, getting his hands on two English top-flight titles, a couple of Carabao Cup trophies and the FA Cup in 2011.
He also won four Golden Glove awards at the Etihad Stadium, which is an individual prize presented to the goalkeeper who keeps the most shutouts in a Premier League campaign [Manchester City official website].
Following spells at Torino, West Ham United, Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur, the Shrewsbury man is now spending his twilight years at Celtic, adding five more medals to his impressive silverware haul.
Gael Clichy offers Celtic stopper Joe Hart some lofty praise
Gael Clichy will also be a familiar name to fans of Premier League football, and he didn’t do too badly himself during a long career, winning three top-flight titles of his own [Telegraph].
In a recent interview broadcast on the Premier League Productions’ The Final Word via Optus Sport, the ex-France international claims Hart is the best goalkeeper he ever played with.
Clichy said: “He wasn’t so blessed in terms of playing out from the back, but in terms of pure goalkeeping skills, I don’t think I’ve played with a better goalkeeper and I don’t think we’ve seen a better goalkeeper in England over the past few years.
“He’s still playing in Scotland and what a player he is. A great lad, a great leader, amazing.”
Joe Hart will leave a commendable Celtic legacy
It is well-documented that Hart could leave Celtic following this campaign’s conclusion due to his contract being set to expire in a matter of months.
Brendan Rodgers has spoken about his situation at length, stating: “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?”
Whenever the experienced goalkeeper chooses to depart Celtic, he will be fondly remembered as a commanding presence between the sticks at Parkhead.
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