Andy Walker backs criticised Celtic star; ‘surprised’ at recent exit debate

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Andy Walker has expressed his ‘surprise’ at calls for Joe Hart to be replaced and leave Celtic despite his ‘dominant’ performances.

Back in 2021, Celtic signed the English goalkeeper from Tottenham Hotspur after years and years of struggle for the goalkeeper.

That once title-winning keeper at Manchester City had fallen off a cliff, as he went from being England’s number one to no longer getting picked for his country – Joe Hart’s last cap came in 2017.

But during his days at Parkhead, and as the 36-year-old is coming towards the end of his career, he has lit that torch paper again and been a key player for Celtic, with Walker pointing out that he ‘did well’ last season and made some ‘big saves’ for the club, as he told Go Radio.

That was under the stewardship of Treble-winning boss Ange Postecoglou, as another Treble-winning manager in Brendan Rodgers has now entered the building again.

It seems as though Rodgers is keeping things open about his current number one, which hints at a possible change, whether it be now, or by the end of the year, with Walker sharing his thoughts.

“Maybe surprising the amount of speculation he gets around himself this goalkeeper,” said Walker. “I thought Joe Hart did well last season.

“There are some Celtic supporters who would like a change. I thought he was dominant. I thought he made some big saves at important times. Something Celtic had lacked previously.

“It just depends on how Brendan Rodgers sees him and how he wants to play. You know he likes his goalkeepers to be out of the box a lot and be good with the ball at their feet. Great passes and build from there, so I think he will stay.”

Hart’s time has been valuable but won’t go on forever

He has done ever so well for Celtic and he deserves his shot under Rodgers, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if his days are numbered and he is replaced when the club come across a suitable replacement in the transfer market.

It’s been made clear at Celtic over the last two years that progression, improvement and ever-higher standards trump sentiment. That isn’t going to change with Rodgers in the door.

So, now at the latter stages of his career, it would make sense for the Bhoys to keep an eye out for a long-term replacement – if not this transfer window then over the next couple.

In other news, Celtic handed big Cameron Carter-Vickers boost as Lennoxtown report emerges.