Celtic came away from Paisley’s SMISA Stadium with a pivotal 2-0 Scottish Cup win on Sunday afternoon. Although Japanese duo Kyogo and Daizen Maeda got on the scoresheet, Joe Hart’s influence on the game was particularly crucial.
The English ‘keeper has become increasingly prominent over the past few weeks, coming up with countless big saves. Away at Aberdeen, he prevented his side from losing by two, or potentially even three, goals to one.
He was similarly crucial against Hibernian and four days later versus St. Mirren, he made a few crucial saves while serving to alleviate pressure on his back four on several occasions.
Hart’s key influence on the team has recently been praised by former Hoops boss Neil Lennon: “Joe Hart has been brilliant, certainly since we came back after the break”, he said (live on air on viaplay).
“Aberdeen, big saves at Hibs and that was another tremendous save at a really crucial time (against St. Mirren). He’s really looking after the team at the minute with his experience and his class.
“He doesn’t get a lot of credit because he doesn’t really have a lot to do at times. He’s really stood up in the last three or four games and shown his qualities.”
Although his contract is due to expire at the end of the current campaign, Hart continually gives his all for Celtic. One wouldn’t expect anything else from the 36-year-old whose experience is next to none.
Such maturity is vital going into a run-in in which the title, and a 2024/25 Champions League place, is up for grabs.
