HAZARD: I’M RIGHT BHOY TO TAKE GLOVES

CONOR HAZARD admits he has had a rollercoaster campaign at Celtic but insists he has the ability and personality to become Parkhead No.1.

The 23-year-old Northern Ireland keeper made his competitive debut for the Hoops in December’s 3-2 victory over Lille in the Europa League.

Neil Lennon then had enough faith in Hazard to play him in the Scottish Cup final against Hearts.

He repaid Lennon by saving two penalties in the shootout victory but shortly after he was dropped and wasn’t even on the bench with John Kennedy in charge for the Old Firm derby with Rangers this month.

Hazard, who started for his country in Sunday’s friendly against USA, said: “It has been a rollercoaster of a season for me. I wasn’t involved at the start but I wasn’t able to go anywhere and everything was up in the air.

“Then I got a chance in the Europa League and I have to hold my hands up and thank Stevie Woods and Neil for giving me that opportunity and trusting me in the cup final.

“I was over the moon and it was a big, big game and a huge opportunity for me. Then I was out of the team due to other factors and have now signed a new deal, so hopefully that’s a good step moving forward.

“My main focus is to get game time. That has to be one of the non-negotiables now if I’m going to take the next step in my career.

“With Celtic the main aim is to be No.1 and I’ll go back and do everything I can to nail that down. If that doesn’t work then I’ll look at the options.

“It’s in my personality to keep going until I get what I want. I have self-belief and I’m proving that with every opportunity I get.”

Hazard admitted he was upset at seeing Lennon leave Celtic.

He said: “Neil is a legend at the club. It’s sad to see a man like that go.”