Ange Postecoglou insists Joe Hart will be Celtic’s main man for years to come after hailing the short stopper’s huge role in edging the Hoops to the title.
The Parkhead boss has heralded the former Man City keeper as a massive presence in his dressing room this term.
But Postecoglou pointed to the 35-year-old’s ability between the sticks at the weekend after Hart made a couple of crucial saves against Rangers to safeguard the point that fired Celts to the verge of claiming the Premiership crown.
The Hoops gaffer said: “Joe’s still young for a goalkeeper. I just felt he’s still got a bit to prove. He’s said himself, he needed a bit of love, and I knew he’d get it at this football club. I knew the supporters would embrace him and he loved it here with the group we were putting together.
“There’s no reason he can’t keep it going for a lot longer.”
Postecoglou reckons Hart has had a huge role off the pitch at Parkhead – but Sunday was a reminder of what the no.1 can do on it.
He said: “Is he a leader? Absolutely. That was one of the reasons we brought him in. We identified pretty early we’d lost some experience in the group and we wanted to bring some experience in to the team.
“I thought Joe was a top quality goalkeeper. But the background we did on him showed to me is a first class person and a real leader in the dressing room.
“He’s been fantastic this year.
“To be fair, we haven’t need him a lot as a goalkeeper – but on Sunday we did.
“He stood up and that’s why he’s a top keeper. Irrespective of his influence on games, his influence around the dressing room has been important.”
Hart helped hold off the Rangers last stand and Celtic are now within touching distance of the title with a six point - and massive goal difference – lead with just three games to go.
The Old Firm stalemate was job done and the Parkhead club followed it up with a clean sweep at Sunday night’s PFA awards bash.
Postecoglou was crowned manager of the year ahead of Arbroath’s Dick Campbell, Ross County’s Malky Mackay and Paul Harrtley at Cove Rangers.
Celtic skipper Callum McGregor scooped up the player of the year gong while Liel Abada was named young player – with Tom Rogic bagging the goal of the season for his stunning solo effort against Dundee United.
The prizes are starting to pile in and Postecoglou said: “It’s been a big challenge for us and I think people have recognised that. It’s great when it is voted by your peers because they understand what you’re going through.”
“People have recognised the challenge I had, especially in a year that many thought would be a transition season. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we tick off the big one.”
