Shay Given has told The Scottish Sun he expects Joe Hart will be ‘inspirational’ in the Celtic dressing room when Ange Postecoglou’s side face Hibernian in Sunday’s League Cup final.
The Hoops have the chance to claim their first silverware under Postecoglou at Hampden Park this weekend. But the Bhoys are continuing to manage a wealth of injuries for Kyogo Furuhashi, James Forrest, Mikey Johnstone, Jota, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Albian Ajeti.
Celtic know how to win titles, but Given believes Hart’s experience and approach will give them a solid foundation. The £1m summer arrival has two Premier League, one FA Cup and two EFL Cup winners’ medals in his cabinet and made 75-caps for England in his career.
His England outings include games at two European Championships and one World Cup. He also kept 43 international clean sheets, including against Brazil, Scotland and France.
Given gives verdict on Hart’s start at Celtic
Hart joined Celtic this summer having lost his standing as a first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League. The 34-year-old had not played in a top-flight fixture since December 2018 when ousted from Burnley’s net. He had kept four clean sheets over 19 games that season.
But the shot-stopper has been sublime for the Bhoys. He has kept clean sheets in 14 of 29 outings across all competitions, including the League Cup quarter and semi-finals.
Hart has not surprised Celtic product Given with his efforts at Parkhead so far, and expects his importance will carry over into the dressing room for Sunday’s final against Hibernian.
“Joe’s a good guy and a quality goalie,” Given said. “I’ve been delighted to see him do well at Celtic, the club where I started and still very much support.
“But it’s also no surprise Joe’s gone up to Scotland and made an immediate impact. He’s a top professional and I’d imagine he’s great, too, in the dressing room.
“Sunday’s final is another huge opportunity for him. But Joe’s had so much big-time experience he’ll take the final in his stride. I’m sure he’ll also be inspirational for the rest of his team with his approach.”
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