Once upon a time, Celtic star Joe Hart was considered to be one of the best goalkeepers on the planet and a performance of his in the UEFA Champions League helped create that reputation.
Hart’s performance at home to a brilliant Borussia Dortmund team, managed by Jurgen Klopp, in 2012 has taken on almost mythical status with Manchester City fans, similarly to how we feel about some of Fraser Forster’s European displays at Celtic.
Ten years later, it has again drawn attention online, with City-focused journalist Tom Young reposting official UEFA highlights of Hart’s showing in the 1-1 draw.
It’s a great watch for Celtic supporters ahead of what could be similar nights up against Europe’s elite over the next couple of months.
Hart’s career at the Bhoys has been defined by big saves in quiet moments rather than regularly facing an outright barrage of goalmouth action from the opposition, but he is undoubtedly capable of withstanding those when full of confidence and in form.
If there’s one thing you can say about the veteran shot-stopper, it’s that confidence is flowing through him at Celtic.
He’s relished every minute of his move to Scottish football. From working under Ange Postecoglou and Stevie Woods daily to becoming a dressing room leader, Hart has only ever had glowing praise for his spell here.
Now, he’s set to return to the continent’s premier competition, years after last making an appearance at this level.
I think it is fair to say Ange’s number one be a massive part of achieving anything in Group F against Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk, all of whom will have the quality to trouble the Celtic defence.
We’ll need Hart at his best, and if he can roll back the years to his peak City days, then it’ll go a long way to getting the results we need to finish first, second or third.
In other news, “I have no plans to leave Celtic”; Matt O’Riley rebuffs transfer rumours.
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