Conor Hazard could be set to leave Celtic on loan this summer after the arrival of Joe Hart pushed the goalkeeper down Ange Postecoglou’s pecking order, per The Scottish Sun.
Hazard was already behind Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain in the Australian’s thoughts before Hart joined from Tottenham Hotspur. The Hoops paid Spurs £1m for the former England international, who signed a £15,000-per-week contract in Glasgow.
The 34-year-old could make his Celtic debut on Thursday evening, when they face Jablonec in the Europa League. Postecoglou will be desperate to progress from the third qualifying round, after Midtjylland knocked the Parkhead natives out of the Champions League.
Hazard played an instrumental role in Celtic winning the Scottish Cup in December with an inspired display against Hearts. The 23-year-old batted away penalty shoot-out strikes from Stephen Kingsley and Craig Wighton. But he only made five Premiership outings last term.
Postecoglou has also omitted Hazard from two of his three competitive matchday squads since taking charge. His only inclusion came in the second-round first-leg tie at home to Midtjylland. Now, the two-cap Northern Ireland international could be on his way out.
Clubs in England and Scotland want to sign Hazard if Celtic make the goalkeeper available for a loan transfer. He has previously enjoyed spells at Falkirk, Partick Thistle and Dundee. The Daily Record claimed last month that the Dees were targeting another temporary deal.
Hazard made 11 appearances for Dundee during his time at Dens Park during the 2019/20 Championship campaign. The Downpatrick-born ace kept six clean sheets over his outings.
Celtic must secure Hazard suitable loan destination after Hart arrival
Celtic must secure Hazard a suitable loan destination amid interest from England and Scotland after signing Hart from Tottenham. Postecoglou is unlikely to favour the Hoops product with three proven senior goalkeepers ahead in his pecking order.
A return to Dundee may see Hazard play Premiership football this season. James McPake’s side clinched promotion as Championship runners-up last term. But Adam Legzdins made two top saves to help come from behind to hold St Mirren to a 2-2 draw last Saturday.
McPake was full of praise for Hazard after the youngster was at Dens Park on loan, though. He said, via The Courier, ahead of the Scottish Cup final: “I think he’s been excellent in the two games he’s played [for Celtic] but I’m not surprised at that. We saw his quality here.”
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