OUR BAILEY’S KEEPING FINE

CELTIC’S Conor Hazard has backed Bailey Peacock-farrell to shrug off the target on his back following a near post error in last week’s 2-0 defeat to Italy.

Peacock-farrell (above), who has played only five games for Burnley this season, was beaten all ends up by Ciro Immobile’s killer second goal in Parma.

Former Northern Ireland defender and pundit Stephen Craigan believes the 24-year-old is under scrutiny after “recent high profile misjudgements”.

But Hazard says his international team-mate has the strength of personality to bounce back in tomorrow night’s crucial World Cup qualifier with Bulgaria.

“Bailey is a strong character and he knows himself what he could and can’t do better in games,” said the Hoops keeper, who started Sunday’s 2-1 friendly defeat to the USA.

“The second goal in Italy could be stopped 40 yards up the pitch before it got to Bailey but there are a lot of people out there who have a knife in goalies’ backs.

“Even in the Premier League, it’s the type of position that’s easily criticised. I know Bailey will be fine. He’s the type of guy who will bounce back even better.”

Twice-capped Hazard has endured a “rollercoaster” season after making his Celtic debut in a Europa League win over Lille. The 23-year-old (right), who has penned a new two-year deal with the Old Firm giants, also starred in a Scottish Cup final penalty shootout win over Hearts in December.

“I was over the moon and it was a big, big game,” he said. “I’ve now signed a new deal so hopefully that’s a good step moving forward.”

On Neil Lennon’s departure as manager, Hazard said: “It was sad to see a legend like that go and for him to give me my opportunity means a lot.”

After impressing in defeat to the States, Hazard hopes he has done enough to stay in Baraclough’s plans with crucial World Cup qualifiers on the horizon.

“I made a few crucial saves and I like to think I didn’t do myself any harm,” he said.