Celtic hero Hart happy to be put on spot again
Keeper keen to step forward after shoot-out drama
Joe Hart is prepared to take another big-match penalty kick before his career comes to a close.
The Celtic goalkeeper failed to convert from the spot in the Scottish Cup semi-final shoot-out win over Aberdeen yesterday.
He then saved from Killian Phillips to send the Hoops through to the final on May 25 following a thrilling tie which ended 3-3 after extra-time.
And the veteran (right), who retires this summer, won’t shy away from taking on the second kick of his career against Rangers or Hearts at Hampden.
He said: “I’ll always put myself forward. I think for moments like that you need people with clarity of mind and are confident in what they are doing. That’s me.
“I’ll always put myself on the line.
“I fully back myself, the manager backs me, the team backs me. I’d put my name forward again.”
Celtic’s win extended Brendan Rodgers’ Scottish Cup record to a perfect 16 wins out of 16 across his two spells at the club.
However, after watching his side pegged back in regulation time, extra time and then taken to sudden death in the penalty shoot-out, he joked he and his players might need special measures to aid their recovery.
“Never mind football sessions, we will need therapy sessions now!” he laughed.
Gutted interim Dons boss Peter Leven urged his team to replicate their heroic Hampden display as they bid to stave off the threat of relegation in the Premiership.
“I told them at the end, that is the standard now. Pick your heads up for five massive games.”
ABERDEEN (4-2-3-1) KELLE ROOS (7)
Had little chance with the goals. Strange to see him go down with cramp in the penalty shootout — that didn’t help his team-mate Ryan Duncan.
NICKY DEVLIN (7)
The man in the mask didn’t give Yang much encouragement on the right wing. Stuck to his task throughout. (JACK MILNE 78. Introduced when Devlin had to limp off)
STEFAN GARTENMANN (8)
Can consider himself unlucky to block a shot from Kyogo and see it bounce into the path of Kuhn, who then scored. One of his better showings.
ANGUS MACDONALD (7)
He will never have a game like this again. The villain for allowing Kyogo to rob him in the lead-up to Celtic’s equaliser, then the hero for scoring such a late and dramatic goal.
JACK MACKENZIE (7)
Had a decent game and wasn’t rash in dealing with the threat of Kuhn on the wing. Put in some well-timed tackles.
CONNOR BARRON (7)
Kept a close eye on Matt O’Riley and others in the central area. Cramped up in extra time and couldn’t get about the pitch. (RYAN DUNCAN 105, 5)
DANTE POLVARA (7)
Did a power of work in midfield to unsettle Celtic before the break. Concentrated on breaking up the play. Ran out of steam as things went on. (ESTER SOKLER 78, 7. Hadn’t done much before producing a towering header to score at the death in normal time.)
JAMIE MCGRATH (7)
Played a key part in Aberdeen’s quick-fire start. One of many in red who found it more difficult to get up the pitch in the second half.
LEIGHTON CLARKSON (7)
A beautiful, curved ball from the youngster split the Celtic defence and let Miovski give the Dons an early lead. Helped to keep McGregor quiet. (KILLIAN PHILLIPS 86, 6. Brought extra physical presence to his side. Had the final penalty in the shoot-out saved)
DUK (6)
Didn’t get his head up and look for a teammate often enough. (JUNIOR HOILLET 67, 8. A dreadful first touch when Miovski set him up with a glorious chance. Made up for that gaffe with tremendous crosses for Sokler and MacDonald to score.).
BOJAN MIOVSKI (8)
Showed he is the man for the big occasion. Gave the Celtic defence an uncomfortable afternoon and very cool to score so early in the game. (SHAYDEN MORRIS 99, 5)
Unused subs — Doohan (GK), Jensen, Rubezic.