Joe Hart is already having an impact off the pitch for Celtic

By Euan Davidson

September 3, 2021

It might’ve have been easier for new Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart to sit on the bench somewhere in the Premier League.

No, scratch that: it would’ve been easier. By the time he was 30, Joe Hart had a career most could only dream of. A recipient of multiple Premier League Golden Glove awards, a Premier League winner capped 75 times for England, Hart’s CV is markedly impressive.

So, at 34, you probably wouldn’t have blamed him if he fancied spending another year as a very capable back-up somewhere. Yet, instead of that, he’s having an impact on Celtic’s transfer business.

Earlier, we shared some quotes from new Bhoy Cameron Carter-Vickers, who expressed his desire to win games for Celtic. In that same interview, he said [Celtic FC]:

“I talked to Joe Hart before I came up here, and he said the atmosphere’s unbelievable. He said it’s one of the best atmospheres he’s ever seen. So I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

Not only that, he’s providing leadership alongside Callum McGregor. Supporters have noticed. One unfortunate moment against AZ Alkmaar aside, his copy book at the club so far is outstanding.

So, instead of warming a bench, he’s with us, and impacting how business gets done. Because with Newcastle United and Bournemouth sniffing around, Carter-Vickers bolstering our defence was far from a guarantee. Hart used his Tottenham connections to make a pitch, and now the defender is wearing the Green and White.

That’s pretty useful, no?

Joe Hart has to be commended for his attitude at Celtic

While there were some – myself included – who worried about his lack of game-time since leaving Manchester City, his lack of opportunities seems to have made him hungirer.

Not just on the pitch, mind. Fine, he looks every bit the fiery, passionate goalkeeper we saw keeping Premier League strikers at bay from his Etihad vantage point. But it’s not just that.

It’s still very early days. But the impact he’s having on the dressing room is fantastic. Carl Starfelt, Anthony Ralston and Ange Postecoglou have all sung his praises, and having a familiar face in Carter-Vickers around is only going to bolster that feeling of goodwill around Lennoxtown.

Again; little was expected of Hart this season, and I write that with the utmost respect. But if he’d taken in another year of Premier League football as a back-up, few would’ve batted an eyelid.

Instead, he’s bought into the culture at Celtic, his displays have been excellent, he’s giving on and off-field leadership and he’s helping the club to bring in players in key positions.

For a £1m signing, that’s a lot of value.

Read more: Rated – Celtic’s outgoing business this summer