The Celtic goalkeeping position has become a growing talking point over the summer.
While current incumbent Joe Hart has been a positive signing overall for the club, and contributed to our recent success, some supporters would like to see a new keeper between the sticks this season.
It’s nothing personal. Just a desire for Celtic to push forwards after another successful domestic season.
Hart is joined by Ben Siegrist and Scott Bain in the current Hoops goalkeeping department. Despite the trio all having good experience, there have been reports this summer that another keeper in on the club’s agenda.
Celtic are known to have been “closely monitoring” Croatia international Dominik Livakovic. There hasn’t been any news of a formal bid for the keeper, but plenty of supporters seem to have their heart set on a signing like that to take the team to the next level.
However, the reality is that a blockbuster goalkeeping move may not be coming this window. Well-connected journalist Scott Burns certainly believes that no signing will be made without someone else leaving.
“Not unless one of the current three moves on,” he said in response to a Tuesday question about Celtic being on the hunt for another stopper. (@ScottBurns75 on Twitter)
A similar issue was brought up on that night’s Go Radio Football Show.
So far, the ‘is Joe Hart good enough?’ point has existed mainly in Celtic circles — in pubs, on podcasts and forums. But now it does seem like it has hit the mainstream.
“Joe Hart is not brilliant with his feet,” was John Hartson’s admission on the show. (Spotify)
“I think Joe last season took a few risks in tight scenarios. He is a brilliant shot-stopper.
“We know where his frailties are and that is with his feet, so sometimes you need to tell him to play a different way. We’ll really miss Joe Hart if he is was to go away, or if he’s to be dropped, or if he is left out the team.
“He’s got all the experience in the world, still looks very fit and can still make good saves. He’s had a couple of mistakes here and there but tell me a goalkeeper who hasn’t.”
Hartson’s words are unlikely to convince those who are sceptical of Hart being our goalkeeper this season.
They may have a point. But it should also be noted that the former England international has answered almost every question thrown at him during his time in Scotland. Celtic won’t fall off a cliff just because he remains our goalkeeper.
In other news, more details have emerged about Celtic’s interest in centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke
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