Joe Hart’s wonderful save in the early stages of Celtic’s impressive 2-0 win over AZ Alkmaar, the so-called third best team in The Netherlands perhaps changed the direction of this Play-off tie. We’re actually getting used to that old feeling, not enjoyed for a year or so, of watching a quality save from a Celtic goalkeeper and it should be noted that the difference between having a top quality keeper and the alternatives we’ve had since Fraser Forster can actually be measured on terms of league points and progress in tournaments like the Europa League.
Hart is vastly experienced within the game having played for England and clubs like Manchester City and his is already showing superb leadership qualities, aiding and abetting Callum McGregor in this duties necessary if the club’s ambitions are going to be realised this season. The instance last night when play was stopped for treatment to James Forrest so Hart heads over to the touchline to take instruction from Ange Postecoglou before heading into the centre of the park to grab McGregor and Welsh and pass on the manager’s updated instructions, shows that Hart is already central to this side.
He spoke brilliantly after the game to Celtic TV, refusing to dish out too many individual compliments, accepting none for himself and instead focusing on what the collective unit can achieve. Outstanding on and off the park!
“It really was a tough game and it was a really good game to be a part of. It was really, really exciting and I thought Alkmaar were fantastic,” the Celtic No.1 told the club’s TV Channel. “They brought their ‘A’ game, and so did we, we really stepped up. We were brave, we believe in what the manager is pushing us to do, and it’s tough football,” Hart added.
“It’s high-intensity as the boys are playing every few days and putting their bodies on the line. It’s a mixture of beautiful football and hard work on occasion, and I thought the fans were fantastic again throughout the game and they really got us through.
“Having individuals is great, but for us to be successful, it’s every single one of us, there’s five subs available, the boys that come on when others are running on empty, it’s a real squad effort.
“And it’s going to have to be for us to do anything this season because there are so many games. So, we’ve got to rely on each other, rely on the system and we’re all just as important as each other,” he stated.
Even fans hero Kyogo wasn’t going to get much in the way of individual praise from the goalie. “He’s really showing up, isn’t he? He’s been an exceptional signing, and Odsonne as well, he came on in a real difficult situation during the game, and I thought he was superb. He really offered us something, so like I say, it’s great to name individuals, but it was a real, real squad effort.
“We’re still so early in the season and there’s such a long way to go, but in a big moment like against Alkmaar, we stepped up.”
There was no talk either of the second leg. Hart’s attention had already turned to the three points that are absolutely essential on Saturday when St Mirren come to Celtic Park looking for their second win of the year at Paradise.
“That’s the last thing on our minds right now, we’ve got a huge game this weekend as we go again at three o’ clock on Saturday and we’ll deal with the build-up to the next one after that.”
