JOE HART We just want to put a smile on people’s faces again
JOE HART raised both hands in quick succession and the noise cranked up. For the first time in a year and a half, the decibels inside Celtic Park had reached a new level. The former England goalkeeper might not be quite at the height he has scaled previously in his career but this was an occasion worth waiting for.
Celtic fans cheered Hart’s double save in the second half against Jablonec on Thursday night almost as loudly as the three goals which were scored against the Czechs.
As he looked around the stadium — reverberating with a 50,000 crowd — and listened to the noise, the 34-year-old cherished a moment he thought might never have arrived before he hangs up his gloves.
Prior to signing a three-year deal at the start of this month, Hart’s previous visit to Parkhead came in 2018 when he featured in ‘A Match For Cancer’ — a charity game involving star-studded squads chosen by former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov and James Milner.
Now part of Ange Postecoglou’s team, the keeper intends to make the most of every moment spent on the pitch.
‘I was told about what to expect and it was an experience, it really was,’ said Hart after Thursday night’s Europa League qualifier.
‘I really, really enjoyed it. You could tell that people have missed being here.
‘I obviously wasn’t here last year, but as a footballer I really missed having fans in the stadium. The support was unbelievable.
‘We performed in parts of the game and entertained, but there is loads that we can work on. I would like to think that we can go on this journey together.
‘I love football, absolutely love it. I was here for the Stiliyan Petrov and James Milner charity match. I loved what James and Stiliyan were doing that day. It was amazing. I loved the chance to play at Parkhead.
‘It wasn’t in my plans for the foreseeable future for me to actually be lucky enough to play for this club. So I wanted to get everything out of it that I could — and even ended up going outfield for a spell.
‘Our job is not to play on emotion — our job is to be focused. But on Thursday we saw what it meant to the fans. We got the win and people were happy.
‘We need to keep it as simple as that for now. We are going to grow as a team and we are going to look to entertain, but ultimately we are going to make people’s weeks a whole lot better after a difficult year or so if we win games.
‘We are trying to start something here. We are going to try and play some expansive football and that is going to require me to make the odd save. We are going to have to bail each other out of a few situations.
‘But I think the overall thing that was great to see was the pressure that we applied and the application. We played some really good football throughout the game, created some really good chances and I did my job, which is to keep the ball out of the net as best I can.’
Celtic hope Hart’s arrival can put nerves at ease when it comes to goalkeeping — with neither Vasilis Barkas nor Scott Bain doing enough to deserve to be the regular No1.
The ex-Manchester City stopper insists Celtic must be fearless as they continue to learn under new boss Postecoglou, with their latest test being today’s Premier Sports Cup last-16 tie at home to Hearts.
‘There is an understanding but it’s a style that we all have to buy into,’ said Hart. ‘The whole squad needs to be on board. It is a style of football that he wants us to play. He wants us to play with no fear, he backs us. He puts that responsibility on himself to make us feel like we can play. It is something that we are trying our best to do.
‘We are going to grow as a team. He came in quite late as I understand, so it is going to take time. But the baseline is hard work, dedication, understanding and all being on the same side.’
David Turnbull’s brace and James Forrest’s goal swept Jablonec aside to set up a Europa League play-off against AZ Alkmaar, with the first leg at Celtic Park on Wednesday.
Turnbull has already caught the eye of Hart, who said: ‘I have been really impressed. He plays with a lot of maturity in midfield. It is quite frantic in that midfield and you have to be a good player.
‘Callum (McGregor) and Tom (Rogic) cope with it really well. There is a nice fluidity about what they are doing. To pop up with goals is going to
‘WE ARE TRYING TO START SOMETHING HERE. WE ARE GOING TO TRY AND PLAY SOME EXPANSIVE FOOTBALL AND THAT IS GOING TO REQUIRE ME TO MAKE THE ODD SAVE’
be important. We are going to be that kind of team where lots of different people are going to get different chances, even right the way back to the full-backs.
‘If we have people knocking them in, it gives us even an incentive to keep it out at the other end.’ Turnbull was part of the Scotland squad at Euro 2020 but did not play in any of the three group games. Asked if the midfielder could play regularly for his country if his displays set a high standard, Hart said: ‘I know what it takes at international level. I am not that familiar with the Scottish set-up, but I really like him as a player.
‘Obviously he knows if he has been to a tournament and hasn’t got any football, then he is going to have to keep working.’
After today’s clash with Hearts, Celtic face AZ Alkmaar in midweek. But Hart’s focus is on Robbie Neilson’s side.
‘It is going to be a step up,’ added Hart of the Europa League play-off. ‘But we have a big game on Sunday to prepare for. I have felt it from the moment I have walked through the door — the next game is the most important game, simple as that.
‘Alkmaar will take care of itself. At the moment we are focusing on Hearts.’