BRENDAN RODGERS admits he will miss Joe Hart when the keeper finally calls it a day after a silverware showdown at Hampden on Saturday.
The popular 37-year-old Englishman made an emotional farewell in front of an appreciative 60,000 sell-out crowd in his last game at Parkhead yesterday and explained why he would not reconsider his momentous decision, as CQN reported earlier today.
As befitting a sportsman of his pedigree, the much-decorated 75 times-capped England international No.1 bowed out as a winner in the 3-2 victory over St Mirren in the last league of another successful campaign.
SILVERWARE SMILES…Brendan Rodgers gets his hands on the Premiership trophy with Joe Hart, Callum McGregor and Adam Idah joining in the fun.
As the champions sealed their third successive title in the east end of Glasgow, Philippe Clement’s Ibrox side, Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final opponents, drew 3-3 with Hearts at Tynecastle to leave the Hoops with an eight-point advantage.
A day of celebration left Hart clearly emotional, especially when he noted a massive banner which had been unveiled during the interval which proclaimed ‘Super Joe Hart’. He looked tearful for a moment as he acknowledged the supporters.
Rodgers paid tribute to his retiring personality, and speaking to Sky Sports, said: “This was such a great way for him to finish his league career. He loves every second of it. I’ll miss him, just his whole mentality.
“He’s one of that dying breed of player, they give everything every single day and are real leaders in the changing room and they produce.
BIG NOISE…Joe Hart celebrates at the title presentation.
“He’s got one more game to go and, hopefully, we can give him that final send off.
“Joe will be a huge miss when he goes, but normally what you find is then other people step up to take on that privilege of being a leader at Celtic.
“Hopefully, some players we can bring in will add to that, too.”
Hart has won six honours in his three years at Celtic – three leagues, two League Cups and one Scottish Cup – and No.7 is a mere 90 minutes away from his grasp.
