JOE HART has admitted he is relaxed about his contract situation at Celtic.
The 35-year-old 75 times-capped England international keeper signed a three-year deal when he joined from Spurs in a £1million switch in ugust 2021.
Ange Postecoglou realised he urgently required a reliable netminder after ditching Vasilas Barkas following just one game, the 1-1 Champions League qualifier against FC Midtjylland at Parkhead where the £4.5million Greek flop was badly at fault at the visitors’ equaliser.
CUP THAT CHEERS…Joe Hart proudly holds aloft the newly-won League Cup after February’s 2-1 success.
Scott Bain came in and played in the defeats against the Danes in the away leg – 2-1 to the hosts in extra-time – and an identical scoreline against Hearts at Tynecastle in the opening Premiership match of the 2021/22 campaign.
Hart answered the SOS and has remained in charge of the crucial No.1 position ever since he made his quickfire debut in the 4-2 Europa League qualifier against FK Jablonek in the Czech Republic.
After a couple of years in the shadows at Burnley and the London club where first-team appearances were rare, the likeable Englishman is thriving at the champions where he has become a key player for Postecoglou.
Asked about the future, Hart answered: “I still have another year on my contract, so I don’t really feel that conversation needs to be had.
“I’m in a special part of my career where I’m not chasing a contract or worrying about negotiations.
“It’s not really where I’m at. I’m just loving being part of the football and what will be will be. Conversations like that will probably happen when they need to be had.
“But I don’t need to be knocking doors down and I certainly don’t expect people to be badgering me.”
ON THE BALL…Joe Hart displays his skills on the deck.
Hart is revelling in the responsibility bestowed upon him by his manager at the club where he is vice-captain to skipper Callum McGregor.
The former Manchester City shotstopper, speaking to The Scotsman, continued: “Stuff like that means a lot because it’s the kind of thing I like to be associated with.
“I’m pretty genuine. Cal is obviously an unreal player and a superb captain. He has stepped into a role where he has had huge boots to fill and he has not even tried to fill them – he has gone in his own direction and done a great job.
“I let him know straight from the off – if he needed anything from me that I would be right by his side and ready to help. Hopefully, that combination has worked, but you would be in a minority here if you don’t come in and want to give your best every day.
“I love it here. I couldn’t be any prouder to be part of this team, this club and this city. I’m really honoured to put the badge on and work for Celtic Football Club.”
It is not out of the question that Hart will complete his glittering career at Parkhead and he added: “Of course, it’s a possibility, but this is a club that is forever trying to move forward and push on.
“We’ll see. I haven’t actually given it much thought and I don’t know if the cub has. They are a business, so they are always going to be thinking about the future.
“Like I say, I am in a real privileged position to be enjoying every day as it comes and trying to give my best.”
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