The EURO 2024-involved goalkeeper that could be a viable Joe Hart replacement at Celtic

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Celtic are still probing the market for a goalkeeper to replace Joe Hart ahead of the new campaign following his three-year Parkhead stint.

Brendan Rodgers is aware his side are close to returning for pre-season, and there is a pressing need to bring in a new number one over the coming weeks.

With club football not on the horizon, EURO 2024 has become a source of entertainment for Celtic supporters looking to get their sporting fix.

The group stage has been an entertaining watch so far, and given the Bhoys are in the market for signings, it is only natural for the mind to speculate about individuals who could potentially do a job at Parkhead. Football wouldn’t be as fun without that element.

In light of this, there could be a potential solution between the sticks for Celtic worth having a look at this summer.

Jindrick Stanek and Celtic’s need for a competent goalkeeper

Now, I am speculating here; don’t get it twisted. Nevertheless, Slavia Praha stopper Jindrich Stanek is someone who would cover a lot of bases in terms of the profile, experience and pedigree Celtic are looking for in a new goalkeeper.

Per Sofascore, the 28-year-old made 28 appearances in the FORTUNA:LIGA last campaign, keeping eight clean sheets in the process and earning an average rating of 7.06/10.

Conceding 27 times on league duty (less than one goal a game), Stanek made 62 saves in total across the season, with 41 coming inside the area and the other 21 from range.

In his own half, the Czechia international recorded a pass accuracy rate of 92%, in keeping with Celtic’s possession-orientated style of play under Rodgers. He also made 7.9 ball recoveries per match.

Evaluating his performance against Portugal yesterday evening, the former Everton man was in fine form despite his country falling to a 2-1 defeat, making seven stops to thwart Roberto Martinez’s men at the Red Bull Arena, equating to a save percentage rate of 77.8% [Fotmob].

He also managed eight accurate long balls, alleviating pressure on his side against one of the tournament favourites. Now, he did concede twice, but there was a slice of luck involved in both for Portugal, who recorded a late victory despite coming up against a stubborn opponent.

Standing at 6ft 3in, the Strakonice-born stopper is an imposing presence between the sticks with a market value of £2.95 million, according to Transfermarkt.

Although not an exact science, you can see where I’m coming from with this selection; his profile is along the right lines that Celtic should be seeking this window.

The Bhoys are in need of a goalkeeper, and hopefully, they will push a deal over the line for someone soon. Time is of the essence.