‘Wonderful’: Brendan Rodgers names one Celtic man who has been a ‘catalyst’ for his team

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Celtic have enjoyed a season of highs and lows this term and still have a domestic double to play for under Brendan Rodgers.

Despite various wobbles throughout the campaign, the Bhoys are now on a run of eight wins in their last nine matches and have started to hit their stride, at least in terms of results.

Last weekend, Rodgers led his team to the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup following a 2-0 victory over St Mirren, with Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda scoring in either half to tee up a tie against Livingston in the next round.

Outside noise has become a common theme over the last few months due to the Hoops’ general level of performance not always hitting the mark; however, there is hope that we can now build ahead for the remainder of this term.

Speaking post-match, Irish manager Rodgers has refuted the notion that there is any sort of crisis at Parkhead, stating: “I don’t think it’s a crisis. It’s obviously a narrative that has been created outside. I don’t expect anything less, to be honest. We just focus on ourselves. We are a winning club.”

Scottish Premiership action returns on Saturday for Celtic, who will be keen to extend their unbeaten run further by overcoming Kilmarnock in Glasgow’s east end.

Brendan Rodgers thinks Joe Hart has been a ‘catalyst’ for Celtic

Former England international Joe Hart is regarded as one of the most experienced players in the Celtic dressing room, and his know-how has translated onto the pitch over the last few weeks.

The 36-year-old has made several important saves for the Bhoys at crucial times in matches. Once again, he came up trumps for his side last weekend, commanding his box with authority and recording a 13th clean sheet of the season [Transfermarkt].

Discussing the experienced goalkeeper, Rodgers has indicated that Hart has become a ‘real catalyst’ for his side due to his work on and off the pitch.

He said [Daily Record]: “Joe doesn’t have a lot to do but the times he does he makes wonderful saves. He’s a real catalyst for the team with the way him and Cal lead the dressing room.

“The saves he makes are so impressive. There were lots of crosses the other day, lots of balls into the box. But he was very clean. You always want keepers to catch, but if they can’t, then there’s a lot of distance on it. He did that very well, more than a few times.

“It was another clean sheet for him, and that was important. Joe’s a very experienced player. But we control the voice of the team inside the changing room.”

Pressure situations will continue to arise for the Hoops as they eye domestic glory this campaign. Hart will be relied upon between the sticks to come up with match-winning stops along the way.

The Shrewsbury-born man has won his fair share of silverware across his career, and hopefully, he can play a key part as Celtic chase a double under Rodgers.