Joe Hart

hope he enjoyed his day off

 

Man of the match

 

Joe Hart: Celtic 'doing own thing' as goalkeeper discusses Man City return and England recall
No-one need tell Joe Hart just how significant victory in a derby national cup semi-final can prove to be.

The Celtic keeper won’t be experiencing such an occasion for the first time when his team face up to Rangers in Sunday’s Scottish Cup last four tie. In 2011, he excelled for Manchester City as they prevailed 1-0 over then English powerhouse neighbours Manchester United to pave the way for an FA Cup final that secured the club a first major honour in 35 years. A success which has been followed by a period of unprecedented haul of silverware for City now the dominant force in English football.

The 34-year-old isn’t keen to push parallels about what could lie ahead for Ange Postecoglou’s men if they complete a treble over a Rangers side they have beaten away and home in little over two months to establish a commanding six-point lead in the title race. But, as Celtic chase a domestic clean sweep this season, neither is he oblivious to how such a head-to-head could have a lasting impact.


I remember that semi-final really well as it was a real turning point for us as a group,” said the Englandinternational. "It was a huge moment in the new era at Manchester City. We were known for having a lot of money and all the rest, but that doesn't guarantee anything. We went toe-to-toe with United at Wembley in an FA Cup semi-final, with a 50-50 split of fans. They do have a different feel [with that split] and it's a good feeling to win a game like that at the national stadium – a really good feeling. That's when it all started. Every moment is unique. Right now at Celtic, we are doing our own thing. That City win was a long time ago and it started another story. But right now, our focus is on just stamping our style on every game we play. Ultimately, we want to win as many games as possible in all competitions.”




Hart returned to the Eithad last weekend to watch City’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Liverpool in that nip-and-tuck struggle between the pair for top flight supremacy this season. And he revealed the exploits of Postecoglou’s men this season haven’t gone unnoticed in that part of the world. "It was nice to be back there watching a game. That was the first time since I left,” he said. “It was a good one for my son and there was a bit of talk about Celtic at the game. City is a home for me and I'd only been back with opposition teams since I left. It was good to go as a fan and there was definitely a lot of goodwill coming for Celtic.”



There is plenty of goodwill coming Hart’s way too. His form since pitching up at the east end of Glasgow has led BBC pundit Trevor Sinclair to champion the player for an international recall four-and-a-half years on from the last of his 75 caps. The Celtic keeper is coy on that possibility. "I definitely qualify – I am English!” he said. "Other than that, I am totally focused on what I am doing at Celtic. I enjoy having that focus and everything that is coming with it.”

 

He is a such a good guy! I was pleased when we signed him and I’m still pleased now. What an ambassador for our club.

Hope he stays for a few seasons yet.

 

I would let him inside me.

Just sayin

 

Similar to Bodo, when a team presses high aggressively and constantly his lack of ability on the ball and how slow he is picking a pass sticks out.

Think the CL will be brutal for him next season in all honesty.

 

We’ve got all the best rappers man. Snoop, Fitty and the Game now.

Joe’s neck is like half the size of his torso anaw

 

Nearly gave me a heart attack today, but some important saves. I wish he wasn't asked/decided to distribute with his feet as he is not great at it.

 

worth every * penny, when we win the league its thanks to the saves he made today.

 

Outstanding saves and few nervy moments too but I love him nonetheless.

Great to see former members of the queens 11 like hart and terry supporting the rebel cause...

 

Poor for their goal saved us in the end.

 

Aye I don't think he should be getting beaten at his near post.

But he did make up for it.

Been immense all season for us.

Still worry about him with the ball at his feet.

 

Aye he has been brilliant for us all season just a lapse of concentration from him.

 

If we are getting £40 million next season would like to see a keeper who's comfortable with the ball at his feet and Hart as a number two would be a good back up as he did look cumbersome today with the ball at his feet and the reason pep let him go at man city .