On the whole, Celtic has endured a successful start to the 2023/24 season. The Hoops went through a rocky period in the middle of August, but have recovered and won two out of their last two.
A colossal 1-0 win at Ibrox was followed up by an impressive 3-0 home triumph versus Dundee. At the minute, the treble-winning champions sit top of the Scottish Premiership table and are looking forward to the beginning of their Champions League campaign.
Feyenoord lie in wait for the Bhoys on Tuesday evening, and one player who will be aiming to carry on his prosperous recent form into the match is Joe Hart. So far this season, the Englishman has not put a foot wrong.
Despite being 36 years of age, Hart seems to have kicked on from last season. In recent matches, Celtic’s number one has pulled off a few crucial saves.
In a goalless draw with St. Johnstone a few weeks ago, the former England international’s heroics ensured his side weren’t embarrassed at home. A week later in Govan, Hart was nothing but commanding in his own area, making some big claims and saves to secure a victory and a clean sheet at the home of his side’s fiercest rivals.
Then on Saturday at home to Dundee, Hart was quick off his line on several occasions to keep play going whilst making a crucial save in the first-half when the scoreline was nil-nil.
Under Brendan Rodgers, the ‘keeper looks to have improved from last season. Hart appears to be more confident than before and is pulling off some pivotal stops for his side.
In recent years with Ange Postecoglou at the helm, the 36-year-old was forced to play the ball out from the back immediately when he got it. There is not as much emphasis on getting things going rapidly under Rodgers, though, which looks as though it is benefitting the former Manchester City man.
Tuesday night’s match against Feyenoord in the Champions League will be a notable test for Hart because, in recent years, he has not covered himself in glory in Europe for Celtic. Any result in Rotterdam, though, will require a big performance from Hart, who is a man high on confidence and form alike.
