JOE HART is on the brink of becoming one of the rare players to win a clean sweep of trophies on both sides of the border.
Barring a disaster of seismic proportions, the Celtic keeper will claim his second successive Premiership honour next month.
The multi-capped netminder picked up a second League Cup badge in February following the 2-1 victory over Michael Beale’s Ibrox club at Hampden which followed the identical scoreline triumph over Hibs in December 2021, just four months after his bargain £1million arrival from Spurs.
THAT’S MY BHOY…Ange Postecoglou and Joe Hart with the Premiership silverware after the 6-0 win over Motherwell at Parkhead on May 14 last year.
And Hart will be charged with the responsibility of keeping the back door closed when the Hoops face the Govan side again in the Scottish Cup semi-final a fortnight today.
The grand finale – which will see either Inverness Caley Thistle or Falkirk provide the opposition – is due for Saturday June 3.
The 35-year-old custodian, who made 75 appearances for England, is out of contract next summer, but there is no rush to sign an extension.
Manager Ange Postecoglou, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “He still has a fair way to go to get there, but Joe has been outstanding for us.
“It is no secret that when I signed him, I knew what I was getting as a goalkeeper, but just as important was the kind of person he is.
“The way he has helped shape this team on and off the field.
CROWNING GLORY…keeper Joe Hart and boss Ange Postecoglou embrace following the 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice on May 11 last year that clinched the amazing title victory.
“Obviously, he went through a tough time before arriving here and, hopefully, he is enjoying his football a lot more now because it has been a mutually beneficial relationship between him and the club since.
“He has contributed greatly and I think the club has given back to him, as well.”
Hart will have the gloves again for the noon clash at Rugby Park today as he aims for his fourth successive clean sheet against Kilmarnock.
The veteran No.1 shut out Derek McInnes’ side in the 5-0 victory in Ayrshire in August and then had back-to-back clean sheets in the 2-0 wins in the league at Parkhead and the League Cup semi-final at Hampden in January.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and the best action images from Kilmarnock v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
