CONOR HAZARD, Celtic’s Scottish Cup Final hero when they clinched the phenomenal quadruple treble in 2020, has agreed a year-long loan move to HJK Helsinki.
The Northern Ireland international netminder will join the Finnish champions as they bid to lift the title for a third successive season.
The 23-year-old Hoops shotstopper took centre stage when he saved two penalties in the 4-3 spot-kick triumph over Hearts in the Covid-delayed Scottish Cup Final at Hampden in December 2020.
PENALTY-KICK SAVE No.1…Conor Hazard dives to his right to block Stephen Kingsley’s attempt.
PENALTY-KICK SAVE No.2…Conor Hazard launches himself to his left to deny Craig Wighton.
The silverware showpiece ended 3-3 after extra-time with Ryan Christie, Odsonne Edouard (pen) and Leigh Griffiths scoring for Neil Lennon’s side. Hazard held his nerve two make two dramatic saves from the Edinburgh club as Krsitoffer Ajer smashed the deciding penalty-kick past former team-mate Craig Gordon.
The youngster made his Hoops debut in the 3-2 UEFA Europa League win over French outfit Lille earlier that month and has made seven first-team appearances, keeping four clean sheets.
He has previously had loan spells at Falkirk, Partick Thistle and Dundee.
Parkhead boss Ange Postecoglou, speaking on the club website, said: “We are sure this move will be good for Conor, it will be an important opportunity for game-time and I know he will embrace this next period.
“In HJK Helsinki, we believe it will be a great environment for him.
“I know HJK and Celtic have enjoyed good co-operation before and I think the loan period will be very positive for everyone concerned.”
