JOE HART is only one game away from joining Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish in UK football history.
The 36-year-old 75 times-capped England international keeper will be the man who will protect the Hoops’ back-line against Inverness Caley Thistle in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden tomorrow evening.
Hart edged closer to emulating the record of the Hoops great when he lifted the League Cup in February after the 2-1 victory over Michael Beale’s Ibrox side and added his second successive Premiership honour with a shut-out in the 2-0 triumph over Hearts at Tynecastle on May 7.
HAMPDEN HERO…Joe Hart proudly holds aloft the League Cup after 2-1 derby win in February 2023.
The experienced netminder, who was snapped up by Ange Postecoglou from Spurs for a bargain £1million in August 2021 to solve the team’s No.1 problem, is now one victory away from joining Dalglish as part of football royalty in a clean sweep of major British honours.
Hart won all three major English trophies with Manchester City and already has two Premiership and two League Cup medals after moving to the champions.
However, the consistent shotstopper is taking nothing for granted, especially after last term’s extra-time disappointment when an unfortunate own goal from Carl Starfelt torpedoed the club’s hopes.
WEMBLEY WONDER…a delighted Joe Hart with the English Cup after 1-0 win over Stoke City in 2011.
Asked if it would be special to get all six trophies, Hart, as CQN reported in March, replied: “Yeah, but there is a long way to go, as last season showed. We got to the Scottish Cup semi-final and it just never happened for us.
“I would love to be having that conversation with a medal around my neck at the end of the season.
“But until then, I’ll just say there is a long way ahead right now.”
Hart added: “I have been lucky enough to play for clubs where there is an awful lot on the line and a lot goes into every game.
CROWNING GLORY…Joe Hart takes a bow in front of the Celtic support as Kyogo Furuhashi parades the Premiership trophy after the 5-0 win over Aberdeen.
“Be that a top-of-the-table clash, staying ahead, chasing someone down, or competing for a trophy, it’s great to be part of it.”
Hart has conceded just one goal in the champion’s march towards the grand finale – a late penalty-kick from St Mirren’s Mark O’Hara spoiling his record.
The Hoops still coasted to a 5-1 victory over the Paisley side and registered wins over Morton (5-0), Hearts (3-0) and Rangers (1-0) on their journey back to the national stadium.
