JOE HART got off to the worst possible start in his introduction to the Glasgow derby in only his third Premiership appearance for Celtic.
The 75 times-capped England international keeper joined the Ange Postecoglou revolution when he signed in August 2021 from Spurs for a bargain £1million.
Hart went straight into the first team after the Greek Australian gaffer had been unimpressed by the performances of Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain in his early games as Neil Lennon’s successor.
FLAG HAPPY…Joe Hart glances at the Celtic support during last season’s League Cup Final success over the Ibrox club at Hampden.
The experienced shotstopper wasn’t exactly overworked in his first two league outings – the Hoops won 6-0 on both occasions against Dundee and St Mirren in the east end of Glasgow.
However, Hart was beaten once at Ibrox on September 29 when he was left helpless by Filip Helander’s header from a right-wing corner-kick for the only goal of a closely-fought contest.
The netminder, though, kept a clean sheet in the next game – a 3-0 home romp on February 2 2022 – and that was the start of something good for the popular Celt.
Hart, who has announced his intention to retire after the Scottish Cup Final on May 25, will make his last Parkhead outing against Rangers on Saturday – and is determined to bow out with a personal record intact.
The 37-year-old last line of defence has NEVER lost to the city foes in Paradise and he will play his part on this occasion as the champions chase a victory that will push them six points clear with only two games to play.
SAFE HANDS…Joe Hart denies ex-Ibrox midfielder Scott Arfield.
Hart has emerged triumphant in his two previous Premiership campaigns and he is looking to say his farewell to the Hoops fans in a bit of style at the conclusion of this crusade.
And then the former Manchester City keeper will look to the showpiece showdown against Philippe Clement’s side at ampden to bring down the curtain on a much-decorated career that has spanned two spectacular decades.
Good luck, Joe!
FOR THE RECORD: Hart has faced Rangers 14 times, won eight, drawn three and lost three, two at Ibrox and one at Hampden. He has had four clean sheets, conceded 17 goals while Celtic have scored 25.
