Conor Hazard is considered Celtic’s third-choice goalkeeper under Brendan Rodgers.
The 36-year-old had just six months remaining on his previous deal, but Rodgers has decided to extend his contract until the summer of 2019 after first luring him to the Scottish giants’ side in August 2016.
Former Swansea and Liverpool manager Rodgers has previously worked with de Vries at the Liberty Stadium, and is currently considered back-up to Scotland international Craig Gordon.
The news comes as a slight surprise, after de Vries started the 2016-17 campaign as Celtic’s number one before being dropped following Barcelona’s 7-0 thrashing of the Hoops last season.
With de Vries now expected to see out the remainder of his career on Parkhead, where does that leave teenage stopper Conor Hazard’s future under Rodgers?
The 19-year-old is yet to make a senior appearance for Celtic, but is still considered the Hoops’ third-choice goalkeeper. A regular component in the Bhoys’ reserve side, Hazard desperately needs senior football to further his development.
But with de Vries’ new deal, Hazard’s chances of game time have decreased dramatically under Rodgers.
The three-time Northern Ireland Under-19 international, who was on the bench for Celtic’s Scottish Premiership outings against Kilmarnock and Dundee this season, should now request a loan move away from the club in January.
It seems to be his only option, if he is to reach the fullest of his potential. A loan would suit all parties, giving Hazard the necessary tools to reach the next step in his career, as well as providing Celtic with a better option when he returns.
With a contract until the summer of 2021, his talent is obviously rated by the Hoops. But he must continue his growth by moving on loan into the English Football League, or to a Scottish side in January.
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