Conor Hazard left Celtic over the summer and his debut season in England with Plymouth Argyle is ‘going really well’ for the Northern Ireland international.
At least, that is the assessment of Steven Schumacher, the Plymouth boss delighted with the performances of a man who set his side back just £150,000 back in June.
In the absence of Michael Cooper – the Argyle number one missing the start of the season after a cruciate ligament injury – Conor Hazard stepped in to fill the boots (or should that be gloves?) of the club’s talismanic shot-stopper.
In fact, the former Celtic keeper has been so impressive at Home Park that he is starting to make the number one jersey his own at international level, starting three of Northern Ireland’s last four fixtures.
Conor Hazard thriving after Celtic exit
“I’m pleased for Conor. He can be happy where he’s at,” Schumacher tells Plymouth Live. “He’s come to us and played a good number of Championship games. He has got himself into the Northern Ireland squad and now he has played in the last few internationals.
“So far, his season is going really well.”
Cooper has reclaimed his starting spot after recovering from that long-time absence. But Hazard’s presence has given Schumacher confidence that, should the injury curse strike again, Plymouth’s season need not be derailed.
“I’m pleased (Hazard) is in good form, which is what we need,” adds the Liverpool-born gaffer, who guided Plymouth to promotion from League One last term.
“Because, like all areas of the pitch, you want good competition.”
Hoops scout Real Madrid ace
25-year-old Hazard left Celtic in the summer after nearly a decade north of the border. The Scottish Premiership champions could be in for another reshuffle of their goalkeeping department in 2024, the contracts of both Joe Hart and Scott Bain expiring, and Benjamin Siegrest yet to establish himself as a reliable first-team option at Parkhead.
According to the Daily Record, Celtic are scouting Real Madrid’s Ukraine international Andriy Lunin as a potential Hart replacement.
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