“I just like playing football, always have done, always will do. And being able to do it on the stage that is set here is something I’m really proud of,” Joe Hart…
Joe Hart spoke with the mixed media today to preview the game against Ross County up at Dingwall tomorrow evening. Celtic kept their unbeaten run in the league up by grinding out a 1-0 win against Motherwell on Sunday, despite missing a raft of chances to make the encounter a whole lot easier.
Joe Hart had to be called upon at Parkhead a few days ago to help keep our title challenge within touching distance still. There’s no denying Joe’s positive impact and mentality on this side since he moved from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. Big saves at big times is what he’s all about – and it’s showing.
Speaking ahead of the County game, Joe was effusive in his praise of the fans and the support that they give the team on a regular basis. The big keeper acknowledged that December will be tough with the ever-increasing injury list on Ange Postecoglou’s desk at Lennoxtown. That has not stopped him from being determined to negotiate this festive period with maximum points gained.
When quizzed by one of the journalists if he is seen as leader in the dressing room, the ex-England number one asserted it is for others to comment on how he is seen, but that he maintains the standards that took him to the very top of the game in England. He said (via Celtic TV): “I try and bring the same energy and professionalism I have all my career, regardless of my age or where I’ve been and what I’ve done. I’ve got the standards that I set for myself. I like helping other players and we’ve got younger players in the squad. If they want to hear what I say, then great. If they don’t, everyone has got their own path.”
Joe knows the peaks and troughs of playing at the highest level and fighting to keep those standards and values engrained into club culture. Ange has been a revelation as manager, but still needs leaders out there on the pitch. Callum McGregor can’t do it all on his own and Joe Hart’s experience has been most welcome in the side. If any of the younger players have any sense they will take in everything Joe has to offer in terms of advice. You don’t go that far in your career without having something about you.
That something will be crucial in the overarching theme of our season this year. We are so close, but with injuries mounting we look frail again. Big moments can have the ability to change the outcome of a league race. Joe Hart is made for those big moments and has proven thus far he is more than capable of being that guy.
Let’s hope it keeps up during this hectic fixture list.
Watch Joe’s full interview with the mixed media below…
Paul Gillespie
🗣️ “I just like playing football, always have done, always will do. And being able to do it on the stage that is set here is something I’m really proud of.” 💪
Joe Hart speaks to the media ahead of #ROSCEL#cinchPrem | #COYBIG 🍀 pic.twitter.com/RY8ZD4OzUx
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 14, 2021
