Pat Bonner backs Joe Hart as best signing of Angeball era

Celtic and Republic of Ireland legend Pat Bonner reckons Joe Hart has been as important a signing for Ange Postecoglou and the club as Kyogo and Jota have been. Hart signed for Celtic in the summer after falling out of favour at various English Premier League club’s.

Hart was captured for around £1 million and has been a steady influence on the new look Celtic side, with his experience proving to be worth it’s weight in gold. The Englishman arrived with great pedigree and has not disappointed so far, keeping the gloves since he took the field on his debut against FK Jablonec.

1989: Pat Bonner (centre) of Celtic celebrates with his team mates after the Scottish Cup Final match against Rangers at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Celtic won the match 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Allsport UK /Allsport

Former Celt Bonner knows all about the pressure and demands that comes with being a number one in the green and white Hoops, having played for Celtic for over a decade. Speaking to Scottish Sun, he said: “Strikers always get the bigger headlines and the most money. As a former goalkeeper I know that only too well! But I believe Joe has been just as critical a signing for Celtic. He’s made the big saves and brought stability to the goalkeeping position.And you can see the confidence the boys in front of Joe have in him.

“Look at the game on Sunday. He didn’t have a great deal to do, but the one chance Dundee United had, a powerful shot across him, Joe’s responded well. Strictly speaking it would be a standard save for someone of Joe’s stature, but when you haven’t had a lot to do in a game and suddenly have to respond, well, that’s not easy.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – NOVEMBER 04: Joe Hart of Celtic rolls the ball out during the UEFA Europa League group G match between Ferencvarosi TC and Celtic FC at Groupama Arena on November 04, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Laszlo Szirtesi/Getty Images)

He said: “But that’s what Joe does. I think that’s been his forte throughout his whole career — making a lot of good saves at crucial times. He’s 34 now, but he’s still a top professional and performer. With Joe’s experience I get the impression he will also be very good in the dressing room. He’s had a successful career in England. He’s a winner.

“I think he’ll have a big influence on the other players who will respect him for the career he’s had. Joe’s got the leadership qualities the team needed. I’ve only met him the once since he came to Celtic and I was instantly taken by how humble he was. He’s had a brilliant career, but there was no ego about him. He’s got a nice personality and he always speaks well publicly. It would be great to have another chat with him.

Joe Hart of Celtic shakes hands with Borja Iglesias of Real Betis after the UEFA Europa League, Group G, football match played between Real Betis and Celtic FC at Benito Villamarin stadium on September 16, 2021, Photo Joaquin Corchero

He added: “Last season Celtic lacked a goalkeeper who could make the big saves at the big moments. Now it’s different and there’s no denying how important that’s been in the team’s improvement this season. I don’t think much bothers him too much. If he makes a mistake it doesn’t affect him too much. He’s calm. The manager believes in him, so do the players and the fans recognise his qualities. He’s done very well since he came in.”

There’s no doubting Joe’s impact on this Celtic team has been part of the reason why we have gelled together so quickly. It’s not just about his performances on the pitch which have been undoubtedly great thus far. However, it’s more his leadership and experience on and off the field that have managed to bring stability and a winners mentality to the current dressing room. Long may it continue.

Paul Gillespie