CHRIS SUTTON insists Brendan Rodgers will not be too worried about Celtic’s goalkeeping position as he prepares the squad for the new season.
There have been reports the returning boss has been examining the No.1 position – speculation that was heightened during the week when the Irishman was linked with Croatia World Cup hero Dominik Livakovic.
However, Rodgers did not pursue the initial interest in the 28-year-old Dinamo Zagreb netminder when Fenerbahce entered the equation and a fee of £7.7million was mentioned, as CQN reported.
OOPS…Joe Hart is grounded as Anderson Lopes prepares to score Yokohama F Marinos’ opening goal.
Hart was in at the start of the midweek loss to Yokahama F Marinos and played his part in some x-certificate defending to gift the hosts the first goal in their 6-4 success.
The 36-year-old 75 times-capped England international conceded three against the J-League side before Benji Siegrist came on as Rodgers made nine substitutions in the 67th minute.
The Swiss shotstopper, signed on a free transfer last year after quitting Dundee United at the end of his contract, also shipped three in a goalfest that had seen Daizen Maeda hit a first-half hat-trick against his old side.
Looking at the last line of defence, former Hoops goal hero Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “I don’t think Rodgers will be losing too much sleep over it.
WHOOPS…Joe Hart celebrates Celtic’s eleventh title success in 12 years after the 2-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle on May 7.
“Joe Hart has been a brilliant goalkeeper for Celtic. He’s made crucial saves in big games and he’s a huge character in the dressing room.
“I know he’s got the odd ricket in him – and we saw one the other night – but I woudn’t be chucking him out just for the sake of it.
“It sounds obvious, but Rodgers would have to find someone better. I don’t think is a matter of urgency, though.
“I’m sure the manager will have spent these last two weeks on the road assessing and his mind will now be made up over what he needs.
“The results in pre-season might be meaningless, but the performances will be shaping his thinking in the next couple of weeks.”
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ALEX’S ANGLE: HAVE A HART, BRENDAN
