In the wake of reports that Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic may be adding a new goalkeeper, Peter Grant has stood up for Joe Hart.
Joe Hart’s Celtics contract expires in2024, and because the goalie will turn 37 in April of that year, a decision must be taken regarding his future.
That’s where the transfer rumour mill, ahead of the January window, has thrown up the name of Andriy Lunin, a back-up keeper at Real Madrid.
When Peter Grant was told about that transfer rumour, he was keen to remind everybody that Joe Hart has been ‘excellent even this season’, as he told Go Radio.
This one is a mixed bag because, since the Englishman moved to Parkhead, he has been a presence on the pitch, reliable and a leader in the dressing room.
A key part in the Treble-winning season, the former Manchester City man deserves huge respect and credit for what he has done in Celtic colours.
But it also can’t be ignored that he was sent off at Livingston this season and he was at fault at Feyenoord on the opening night of the Champions League – legendary striker Thierry Henry was critical of him, at the time.
Nonetheless, this was Peter Grant’s message about Joe Hart amid all the talk about Andriy Lunin.
Joe Hart to be replaced?
“Joe has been excellent, even this season,” said Grant. “He has got a lot of criticism, even games we have won four or five, he has had to produce a save, which all Celtic goalkeepers have done throughout the years.”
New goalkeeper needed
This isn’t a case of booting out Hart now, but planning ahead and being pro-active.
It would be interesting to know Brendan Rodgers’ thoughts on all of this because the goalkeeper is key in how he builds up play.
Plus, those mistakes from Hart can’t be ignored, so action needs to be taken when the January transfer window re-opens.
Keep Hart in the XI. Bring that competition in. Let him bed in. See if it pushes Hart to another level and it allows the two to battle it out for the number one spot.
All in all, it’s about ensuring that the short-term isn’t just looking healthy, but the long-term also, regardless of whether you have to make a ruthless call or not.
