Hart considers potential ‘turning point’ of derby cup victory
No-one need tell Joe Hart just how significant victory in a derby national cup semi-final can prove to be.
The Celtic keeper won’t be experiencing such an occasion for the first time when his team face up to Rangers in tomorrow’s Scottish Cup last four tie. In 2011, he excelled for Manchester City as they prevailed 1-0 over neighbours Manchester United to pave the way for an FA Cup final that secured the club a first major honour in 35 years. It’s a success that has been followed by a period of unprecedented haul of silverware for City, now the dominant force in English football.
The 34-year-old isn’t keen to push parallels about what could lie ahead for Ange Postecoglou’s men if they complete a treble over a Rangers side they have beaten away and home in little over two months, but as Celtic chase a domestic clean sweep, neither is he oblivious to how such a head-to-head could have a lasting impact.
"I remember that semi-final
really well as it was a real turning point for us as a group,” said the England international. "It was a huge moment in the new era at Manchester
City. We were known for having a lot of money and all the rest, but that doesn't guarantee anything. We went toe-totoe with United at Wembley in an FA Cup semi-final, with a 50-50 split of fans. They do have a different feel [with that split] and it's a good feeling to win a game like that at the national stadium – a really good feeling.
"That's when it all started. Every moment is unique. Right now at Celtic, we are doing our own thing.
“That City win was a long time ago and it started another story. But right now, our focus is on just stamping our style on every game we play. Ultimately, we want to win as many games as possible in all competitions.”
There is plenty of goodwill coming Hart’s way too. His form since pitching up at the east end of Glasgow has led BBC pundit Trevor Sinclair to champion the player for an international recall four-anda-half years on from the last of his 75 caps. The Celtic keeper is coy on that possibility.
"I definitely qualify – I am English!” he said. "Other than that, I am totally focused on what I am doing at Celtic.”