Joe Hart unfairly criticised, but new quality competition would do him no harm

Joe Hart has been superb for us since arriving in Glasgow two years ago. The former England and Man City number one has proved to be a fine acquisition indeed.

At 36 he’s still relatively young in goalkeeping terms, and he still has the necessary talent to perform at the top level, but that hasn’t stopped folk doubting his ability these past few months. Yes Joe is prone to the odd mistake now and again, but what keeper isn’t? He makes vital saves that sometimes go unnoticed and his presence is vital at the back as well as in the dressing room. He’s a true leader.

Joe is a talented keeper, you don’t play for Manchester City and England for all those years if you aren’t. He’s maybe past his peak but he’s still a quality goalie. The best in this league by far.

That said it wouldn’t do Joe any harm to have some quality competition. Ben Siegrest looks an assured keeper but not at a level to challenge Joe for the number one spot, and Scott Bain is nothing more than a reliable number three.

There has been rumblings of a move for Croatia number one Dominik Livakovic, although I wouldn’t hedge my bets on that one due to the Dinamo Zagreb keepers valuation. He’s a superb goalie, but at nearly 29 and a £9 million price tag, I think we can safely say it’s not on the cards.

Celtic v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Pre Season Friendly – Aviva Stadium Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and goalkeeper Joe Hart after the pre-season friendly match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Saturday July 29, 2023. Photo Brian Lawless

Stranger things have happened though. Brendan Rodgers yesterday indicated that the club’s transfer business as far as incomings is NOT over for this summer’s transfer window, although he also stated that nothing is likely to happen before Saturday’s Flag Day opener against Ross County at Celtic Park, where barring injury Joe Hart will have the gloves.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Pre Season Friendly – Aviva Stadium Celtics Callum McGregor and Wolverhampton Wanderers Pablo Sarabia left during the pre-season friendly match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. : Saturday July 29, 2023. Photo Brian Lawless

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About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

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2 Comments

  1. Personally don’t believe that Joe Hart is the issue over the no 1 jersey, moreso that big Ben isn’t worthy of the no 2 jersey imo.
    Big Ben is a far bigger liability with the ball at his feet, which has become a modern day requirement for a keeper, especially for a team like ourselves playing such a possession based game with building up from the back.
    Hart has done very well over the past 2 seasons, yet improvement in competition is still required for the position imo.

  2. Jim O'Rourke on

    I totally agree with you. Hart is a big personality in team as well as being a good keeper, we got rid of craig Gordon and it came back to bite us almost immediately and with joe only 36 but in last year of contract will be snapped up after his sterling performances of the last two seasons