Joe Hart pulled off some vital saves during Celtic’s 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock at the weekend to send the Hoops to the final of the Viaplay Cup next month.
The 35-year-old keeper has played a huge role since joining the Scottish champions last season and brought a lot of experience and character to the dressing room which was missing after the numbers who departed Parkhead in the summer of 2021.
Throughout the game at Hampden on Saturday, Killie produced some decent chances which required Hart to be alert and come up with some terrific saves.
Although many would have given the man of the match award to Hoops attacker Daizen Maeda who yet again produced another terrific performance there is no doubt that Hart had a
major influence on the outcome of the game.
Benjamin Siegrist had played the two previous rounds of the cup which has so far been his only game time under Ange Postecoglou and many had predicted that he would start against Kilmarnock but the Swiss keeper is still out with an injury meaning that the Hoops number one was chosen to face Derek McInnes’ side.
Hart has faced criticism in recent months for some very poor mistakes, particularly in the 2-2 derby game at Ibrox and the away match to RB Leipzig where he will have been disappointed by his errors.
The mistake against Rangers didn’t lead to a goal but it instilled some hope in Michael Beale’s side while the mistake in Germany did directly lead to a goal as Hart held his hands up admitting playing with the ball at his feet doesn’t come naturally.
It’s important that he is in and around the club but as his contract expires next May when he will be 37-years-old, Ange Postecoglou may look for another goalkeeper in the summer to challenge the former English international as the team should always be looking to develop and evolve.
As Siegrist has had such little game time, many can’t foresee him being that challenge to Hart so Celtic may look elsewhere during the summer months.
Although it cannot be denied is the impact which Hart has made at the club and he will continue to play a prominent part in Ange Postecoglou’s side for the rest of the season and be hungry for more silverware.
