Current England number one Jordan Pickford has recently praised Celtic ‘keeper Joe Hart as he approaches the end of his career.
Hart announced his retirement a few weeks ago, and he has received vast plaudits since. The news didn’t come as a surprise, and it allows the Hoops to begin sounding out goalkeeping targets now.
Replacing Hart will be a tough gig because he gave so much to the club not just on the park but off it, too.
Indeed, Pickford hailed the veteran stopper, admitting that he idolised him growing up: “He was someone I looked up to massively”, he said (live on air on talkSport via Football Scotland).
“His pathway, he went on going from Shrewsbury to Birmingham to Man City and to get England’s number one and 75 caps and playing 10 to 12 years for Man City doesn’t come for nothing.”
The Everton man took the reigns between the sticks for the Three Lions from Hart and has done a commendable job since.
Hart may not be at the same level as Pickford, but in his prime, he would have more than matched the 30-year-old. He was previously one of the top ‘keepers in the game, but he remains as passionate.
The treble-winner will get a deserved send-off at the season’s end: “He has had a great career”, quipped Pickford.
“Hopefully, he will go out on a high. I can see why the Celtic fans love him as well.”
