Conor Hazard’s former Northern Ireland goalkeeping coach admits he would be ‘delighted’ if the Celtic shot-stopper seals a move to the English Championship with Plymouth Argyle.
Home Park is already, erm, home to another once-hotly-tipped talent who never quite made the grade in the Old Firm.
Ryan Hardie made only 13 league appearances for Rangers, but top-scored with 17 for a Plymouth side who smashed the 100-point barrier while claiming the League One title last term.
Plymouth will be a Championship side for the first time since 2010 next season. And Hardie could soon be joined on the south coast by Conor Hazard, Sky Sports reporting that Celtic’s fourth-choice goalkeeper is undergoing medical tests with Argyle on Monday.
Conor Hazard leaving Celtic for Plymouth Argyle
“I’ll be delighted for Conor,” Derek Soutar, the former Aberdeen glovesman who coached Hazard at international level, tells The Herald.
“It’s not been easy for him at Celtic. He’s always been highly-regarded there but, unfortunately, just never got his break-through.
“Now he’s at an age where he needs regular game-time in a competitive league like the Championship to go and develop his career further. He’ll be playing up against big teams in that league where the standard is high.
“And with Plymouth having just come up, I’d imagine he’ll become a very important player for them as they make the step up to the Championship.”
Hazard celebrated his 25th birthday in March. His tally of Premiership appearances stands at a measly five, however; Hazard in need of a permanent home after a number of seasons out on loan
“He’s the ideal size for down there (in England). So there’s no worries about him handling the physical side of things,” Soutar adds.
“I worked closely with him during my time working with Northern Ireland. Looking back, nothing was ever a problem for Conor. He would listen intently to what you had to say during training and after games in an attempt to improve.
“He’s a great guy and a brilliant professional who will thrive as a number one. (Plymouth) is a great career-move for him. Playing regularly will also enhance his chances of playing more for Northern Ireland as well.”
“He needs a place to call his own now so that he can kick on. I’ll get in touch with Conor to wish him all the best. I’m as excited for him as anybody.”
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