JOE HART must have thought he had revisited a nightmare in the dismal 2-0 loss against St Mirren in Paisley yesterday.
The 75 times-capped England international keeper was one of five survivors from Celtic’s previous Premiership defeat EXACTLY one year ago today.
Hart, Stephen Welsh, David Turnbull, Liel Abada and Filipe Jota all started in the 1-0 loss to Livingston in West Lothian when Andrew Shinnie claimed the only goal of the game.
BIG NOISE…Joe Hart is clearly unhappy with the officials after St Mirren’s second goal, later proved by TV pictures to be offside.
The experienced netminder, 35, was making only his fifth league appearance for the Hoops following his £1million arrival from Spurs at the start of the previous month, but was named skipper for the day by Ange Postecoglou in the absence of the injured Callum McGregor.
The team embarked on a wonderful 38-game unbeaten run after that loss and dreadful display at Livi and it only came to a halt against Stephen Robinson’s side.
Hart was quick to say he and the team would have to “hold our hands up” for an insipid showing that lacked fire, vigour or invention.
The champions got off to a low-tempo start, just could not ignite and surrendered two goals, the second one certainly offside and with an obvious push from scorer Jonah Ayunga.
However, the reliable No.1 was not looking for excuses afterwards and said: “We were poor and I think we’ve got to hold our hands up, but we’re on it more often than we’re not.
HELPLESS…Joe Hart is beaten by Mark O’Hara’s close-range header with team-mates Anthony Ralston and Aaron Mooy looking on.
“It is tough, it is frustrating, but that doesn’t define us, just like when we win 9-0, that doesn’t define us. Our hard work will stay the same and we’re going to keep pushing.
“What’s gone is gone and we’re going to look forward and we’re going to look to win the next games that are coming.”
Hart, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “We learn from it and move on. You can’t be too emotional when you win, you can’t be too emotional when you lose.
“It wasn’t through us not representing properly. We put ourselves out there, but we got frustrated by a team that took their chances and played a strong game.”
Celtic now have a two-week break during the international window and return to action against Motherwell at Parkhead a week on Saturday.
OFF COLOUR AND AWFUL: HOOPS’ GHOSTS FLOP
