Joe Hart becomes new Celtic scapegoat amid development at Parkhead after Rangers example
Gary Keown believes Rangers set an example with Allan McGregor as Joe Hart has become the new scapegoat at Celtic after announcing he will retire at the end of the season.
Writing on page 100 of the Scottish Mail on Sunday’s print edition on 25 February, the journalist suggested the Hoops could have addressed the 36-year-old keeper’s situation at the start of the campaign.
He added that the Parkhead club will now be playing the rest of the season with a guy on the way out, just like the Gers did with McGregor last year, noting that every error the former England international makes will now get pounced upon.
“Celtic would be further behind Rangers at the head of the Premiership without his interventions,” said Keown. “However, those in the management structure might have addressed his situation at the start of the season instead of focusing so intently on bringing in an entire team of players who don’t play.
“So, here we are. You play out the rest of the campaign with a guy on the road out, like Rangers did with Allan McGregor. His every error gets pounced upon, becomes a stick to beat people with.”
Can Celtic land on their feet like Rangers did with Jack Butland?
It’s never easy for any side to replace a first-choice keeper, especially when it’s one as vocal and experienced as Hart.
The Englishman has resurrected his career at Celtic over the past couple of years and will be well-regarded at Parkhead no matter what happens in the title race this season.
But it’s quite poor planning from the Hoops to not be prepared for this moment and potentially have someone already in place at the club to take over from the veteran next year.
Although that is the same position the Gers found themselves in when McGregor hung up his boots, they fell firmly on their feet when Jack Butland made the move to Ibrox.
It’s going to be a big ask for Celtic to get someone of that quality through the door, but they do have a bit of time on their hands before the summer window comes around.
In other Rangers news, Jack Butland has shared which “huge” Ibrox moment wowed him.
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