Joe Hart produced some big moments for Celtic on the pitch again yesterday, but he was just as impressive off of it too.
Hart bagged his second consecutive clean sheet in the 2-0 Europa League win against Ferencvaros last night. It was a massive boost for the Englishman himself, but for the team as a whole, keeping yet another shutout is key for what’s so far been a toiling backline.
Hart can’t be described as such individually of course. He’s made a host of big saves for the club in crucial moments. Saves that, last season, quite simply wouldn’t have been made.
In the first half yesterday, he reacted extremely well to beat away a close-range effort before springing into life to save Carl Starfelt from a major embarrassment in the second 45.
However, it was his off-field interview that caught the eye of the supporters post-match. Hart dedicated the win to the 50,000+ that turned up at Parkhead for a 3:30pm kickoff and made their voices known. He stated that Celtic simply couldn’t afford to let them down as he consistently moved to praise the fanbase.
Joe Hart – a Celtic captain in everything but title
Callum McGregor may be the official club captain, but Hart more or less comes across as a captain without the armband.
You can see it during games. He’s constantly barking out instructions and is never once caught off guard. Hart is always alert, and it’s those concentration levels that have been so key to avoiding further punishment this season.
He then comes on for media duties and wants to praise everyone but himself. Hart’s selfless approach hasn’t gone unnoticed by the support, and it’s one of the main reasons he’s as popular a figure as he is.
Remember, many didn’t want the former England number 1 to sign on at Celtic Park. He was viewed as a has-been by many. A player well past his sell-by date who would crumble under the pressure. Instead, he’s been an absolute rock under Ange Postecoglou and undeniably one of our best summer signings.
Reading the latest fan reaction to his Celtic TV interview, for example, tells its own story:
In other news, Bosun Lawal addresses how he’s settled in at Celtic in first Parkhead interview
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