Scott Burns of Daily Record has broken the story that Conor Hazard is wanted by Ross County boss, Malky Mackay on-loan this month. The big goalkeeper has been out on-loan at HJK Helsinki this year and earned plaudits for his displays both in Finland and on the European stage with the minnows.

15th September 2022 Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy: Uefa Europa League, AS Roma versus Hjk Helsinki Conor Hazard of HJK Helsinky ActionPlus

Hazard, 24, broke into the struggling Celtic side a few years ago under Neil Lennon during our ill-fated Covid season. He become the hero in the Scottish Cup final, when he stepped up to the plate and put in a fantastic display in the penalty shootout against Heart of Midlothian at Hampden Park – making up for his mistake during the match itself.

It now seems like the Northern Irishman is available and doesn’t feature in the plans of manager, Ange Postecoglou moving forward. A move away is probably what’s best to keep the young ‘keeper’s career on track, as he is a very promising talent. It seems that the Hoops gaffer is dead set on his goalkeeping situation for the time being anyway; with Joe Hart the undisputed no.1 and Ben Seigrist as his back-up.

Photo: Andrew Milligan

Mackay is said to be keen to bring in more competition in his goalkeeping department, with another former Celtic star, Ross Doohan, currently occupying the sticks for the ex-Bhoys defender. Hazard’s contract with the Parkhead club runs until 2024, with the club extending his deal befoe he left for Finland – no doubt to protect any potential future fee.

Paul Gillespie

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