Why Roy Hodgson’s verdict on Radek Vitek after working together for two games should excite Celtic

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Roy Hodgson is a man with decades and decades of experience in the game.

Last season, Hodgson beat Celtic icon Martin O’Neill to become the oldest active coach in British football when the 78-year-old took charge of Bristol City for their final nine matches of the 2025/26 Championship season.

During his time at Ashton Gate, Hodgson coached Celtic target Radek Vitek, who was on-loan at the Robins from Manchester United.

After Hodgson worked with Vitek for just two matches, he was already speaking in glowing terms about the 22-year-old who could become Celtic’s new number one goalkeeper.

The former England boss, speaking after Bristol City’s win over Sheffield United in April, tipped the rising Czech star for Premier League glory.

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Does Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vítek appeal to you, Celtic fans? 🍀🤔

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Radek Vitek has ‘all the attributes to be a Premier League goalkeeper’

“I have only watched our players for two games, so I have to be careful what I say, but from what I have seen, Radek has all the attributes to be a Premier League goalkeeper,” said Hodgson.

“You want your keeper to have a good physique, be a good shot-stopper, command his area when it comes to crosses, and have a powerful kick. To me, he fills all those requirements.”

Celtic fans should be encouraged by Hodgson’s comments

From Halmstads BK in Sweden, which was Hodgson’s first coaching job in 1976, to being the manager of Liverpool, as well as the England national side.

Hodgson would have seen it all during his footballing journey, and you can bet your bottom dollar that he is a pretty good judge of character.

Vitek is highly rated at Old Trafford, and it has been backed up further by his loan spell at Bristol City, but Manchester United have Senne Lammens in between the sticks.

It opens the door for Vitek to leave, and if Celtic push for his signature, then it’s time to get excited because there is a lot of positive noise around his name.

Yes, Celtic have Sinisalo in between the sticks, but if O’Neill feels that Kasper Schmeichel’s replacement needs to come via the transfer market, then his and the club’s judgement needs to be trusted.