Joe Hart might not be Celtic’s first choice goalkeeper for the forthcoming season, even if he decides to stay with the team, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.
That implies that if Hart decides to extend his contract before it expires, he may find himself in a position where he isn’t the starting goalie at Celtic for the first time. The crucial query has now been raised by Rodgers: will he be prepared to step in for his family if they move out?
Regarding Joe Hart’s future at Celtic, Brendan Rodgers
The Celtics manager stated, “It’s nothing that we’re looking at right now” [Sunday Post, July 1, print edition]. We also need to examine other topics. We will be able to make improvements in certain positions in the summer, and the same will happen in January. But Joe is a fantastic guy, and I adore working with him. Hopefully he goes on.
“We haven’t discussed it (what occurs next). I believe that at that age, he is just content to be playing. Joe has demonstrated tremendous dedication to being up here because his family is in the south. If you are not playing at the top level, are you going to stay up here by yourself without your family?
He’s had a lengthy career, and I enjoy spending every day with him. He has been a terrific leader for this team and exudes positivity. Towards the end of the season, he and I will talk about it.
It wouldn’t be difficult to deduce from this that Rodgers intends to make a significant long-term shift in the goalkeeping position. Rodgers will never belittle Hart or imply that his time at Celtic is over, but Hart would have to make a significant sacrifice if he wanted to stay with the Bhoys and be a weekly bench warmer.
At some point, switching to a long-term solution will be necessary, and the summer window appears to be the best opportunity to do so. The club should have a capable alternative in place because, as we’ve seen in recent years, goalkeeping interruption may have a negative effect on the team’s performance.