Hart the soul of Ange’s restored defence as Euro challenge awaits

FOR the first few weeks of this season, Celtic’s defence was a picture of chaos.

And if Ange Postecoglou is pondering a few new problems after watching his team fail to break down a stuffy Livingston yesterday, he can console himself that his back line was largely untroubled in yesterday’s Premiership fixture.

The hamstring strain that forced Carl Starfelt off during the dismal draw is a particularly unwelcome development going into Thursday’s Europa League match away to Ferencvaros.

Having defeated the Hungarians 2-0 in the reverse fixture earlier this month, Celtic have a chance to nail down third place in Budapest this Thursday.

For that to happen, Postecoglou will likely need another big performance from goalkeeper Joe Hart (below).

The former England No1 made a couple of timely interventions in last midweek’s 3-1 win over Hibs and is imposing his personality on a team that was stripped of a host of big characters during a summer exodus.

‘When I signed Joe, it wasn’t just because he’s an outstanding goalkeeper,’ said Postecoglou. ‘The way it was with so many new players, I felt I had to bring some experience into the dressing-room.

‘I needed someone to help Cal (Callum McGregor), who is a new skipper himself. And Joe has been a great influence from day one.

‘He came in with the right attitude, wanting to be successful and wanting to learn. I think he’s enjoying his football, which is really important at this stage of his career.

‘I wanted him to enjoy it and get better — and I think he’s done that. He’s been great for us.

‘On the field, he’s bought into the way we want to play and he’s an important part of that.

‘He hasn’t had too many saves to make. But on Wednesday night, he made two big ones.

‘He’ll probably say that’s what he’s there for but it’s pleasing to see and hopefully it continues.’

Having fallen from favour with his country and Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Hart’s career has stalled over the past few seasons.

Celtic has offered him a fresh start, and Postecoglou continued: ‘From my point of view, I just felt we were bringing in a player who had played at the highest level and had had success.

‘He’d experienced the highs and lows of football. The only question was, can he still perform? I had no doubts he could and everything else he was bringing to the table were bonuses for me.

‘He understands Celtic, he has a really good bond with the supporters and knows how important they are. All those types of things can only help.’

Pictured out to dinner with fellow newcomer Josip Juranovic in midweek, Hart has immediately assumed a senior role within the dressing-room.

Postecoglou joked: ‘He’s never invited me out anywhere — that must just be for the players!

‘Look, that’s what he brings to the table. He knows how difficult it is for new players coming here, particularly from overseas.

‘It doesn’t surprise me that he’s looking to make them as comfortable as well. That’s part of being an experienced player and a leader.

‘You can lead with words or actions. Joe’s doing both here and that’s testament to him.’

While Hart has made an immediate impact, James McCarthy has struggled to get up to speed after signing on as a free agent.

The former Everton and Crystal Palace man returned to the substitutes’ bench yesterday but remained unused.

Postecoglou explained: ‘James has had injuries and that’s part of football. His preparation and pre-season was difficult but he’s back fit now and he’s available.

‘He’ll get an opportunity in the coming weeks and hopefully he takes it. In the midfield area, we don’t have a lot of depth. He’s an important part of that, so it will be good to get him involved again.

‘Hopefully, he gets back to the levels we know he can get to and I’m sure he’ll contribute.’ Although Postecoglou has watched his team move through the gears in recent weeks, he urges caution ahead of Thursday’s game when he expects Ferencvaros to ask questions of his players.

He said: ‘It’s going to be challenging because they’re a good side.

‘People seemed to write them off after we played them here but I thought that downplayed their abilities. ‘They took the game to Leverkusen and, at home, they’ll provide a big test for us.’