JOE HART has admitted Brendan Rodgers has laid his plans and expectations from his Celtic players on the line at their first meeting.
The second time-around manager intends to hit the ground running after signing a three-year deal to take over from Ange Postecoglou following his shift to Spurs 48 hours after the Scottish Cup triumph on June 3.
Thirty-six-year-old Hart, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract, said: “He’s super positive, you can tell he absolutely loves the club.
BHOY RODGERS…Brendan is back for a second stint at his boyhood favourites.
“If he was to take his managerial hat off, he’s a Celtic fan, but he’s made it very clear he’s able to separate business and pleasure.
“We’re here for business, we’re here to work, to be successful, push each other and try and get the best out of each other. He wants the young guys and the older guys to help.
“Very clear messages, I’m looking forward to working with him.
“We’ve only been together a couple of days now. He’s an exceptional guy. I’ve had run-ins with him in the past as an opponent and I actually bumped into him a few times on holiday.”
Hart, speaking to Celtic YouTube, continued: “It’s been great. Really exciting. A real fresh energy about him.
“It helps that he is familiar with a lot of the guys here, especially the backroom staff. We are all very familiar with each other which helps. Very positive, great energy.
HART TO HEART…Joe Hart speaks to the media. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
“He knows what it takes to come here after a treble-winning season having done it himself and then try to go again and push hard again. That’s what it takes to really achieve.”
The 75 times-capped England keeper added: “He’s a lovely person, first and foremost, which is very important.”
Hart has won five of the six domestic honours up for grabs since his £1million arrival from Spurs two years ago.
His hunger and desire for success will dovetail with that of Rodgers which should means the continuation of happy silverware-laden days in Paradise.
