Daily Record

CHRIS HOPES CELTS ARE HARTLESS

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CHRIS SUTTON urged Celtic to steer clear of Joe Hart.

Record Sport revealed last week the champions had considered the former England keeper as an alternativ­e to No.1 target Fraser Forster.

But with out-of-form Hart being released by Burnley, was unbelievab­le. He was like a brick wall and hardly anyone could get the ball past him.

“Then a few goals went in where the blame was put on him and that seemed to affect his confidence in a big way.

“It was quite clear to see and it was hard to watch because Fraser had done a brilliant job for Southampto­n before that.”

Forster is keen for his future to be sorted out and although he has already been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea, Le Tissier isn’t convinced he would play there. After spending so long on

Sutton is adamant Celtic should not consider him.

He told our Record Celtic podcast: “Why would Celtic, whether he cost money or a free transfer, want to spend big wages on Hart?

“He’s not the keeper that he was. He’s 33-years-old and maybe he could come up and the sidelines Forster will want to go somewhere and play.

That is Celtic‘s trump card in any negotiatio­ns.

Le Tissier said: “Arsenal and Chelsea are probably looking for a back-up goalkeeper than a No.1.

“It all depends on Fraser’s thoughts and how many games he wants to be playing in a season. That will resurrect his career but Celtic can’t afford to take a gamble this season.

“That would be a gamble to sign Hart, looking at the form which he has been in.

“It hasn’t been good enough and Celtic cannot afford slip-ups.

“That is why they need to come into his thinking if Fraser does decide that he is going to leave Southampto­n.” If money wasn’t an issue Le Tissier accepts that Forster would probably be a Celtic player already. He said: “Fraser has history at Celtic and he did brilliantl­y before. “If Southampto­n do let Fraser go Celtic will be in the fight. If Celtic were to make a reasonable offer I am pretty get the deal done with Fraser Forster. Last season he was immense, you know what you’re going to get with Forster.

“These two goalkeeper­s, at this stage of their careers, Forster is streaks ahead of Hart. That is the truth – Celtic should not touch Joe Hart.” certain that Southampto­n would look on it favourably.

“It all depends on what they are valuing Fraser at.”

Le Tissier is in no doubt the loans for both Forster and Elyounouss­i have helped all parties and he added: “Going to Celtic would have been a benefit to Southampto­n.

“It has put them both in the shop window and got them back playing regularly again.

“Fraser has got his confidence back and whatever happens the loan deals will be a win-win.”

Le Tissier wasn’t surprised to see Elyounouss­i head back to Glasgow because Saints are strong in his position.

He said: “There is more competitio­n in the areas where Moi plays.

“Southampto­n have Nathan Redmond, Stuart Armstrong and a lot of good young players so it is not really a huge surprise that Moi will be heading back to Scotland.

“He will get games and it will be good for his career.”

CLUBS’ CROCODILE TEARS

 ??  ?? SAVE BET Fraser Forster saves Alan Power penalty in memorable loan stint
SAVE BET Fraser Forster saves Alan Power penalty in memorable loan stint
 ??  ?? MATT’S THAT Le Tissier says Forster still has big future at Saints
MATT’S THAT Le Tissier says Forster still has big future at Saints

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