Confident Conor Hazard has moved to freezing Finland but is determined not to be left out in the cold at Celtic.
The Northern Ireland international goalkeeper is currently with HJK Helsinki in his fifth loan spell away from the Hoops.
Hazard’s contract at Parkhead expires in the summer of 2023 but he won’t give up on his dream of being the long term No. 1 at his boyhood heroes.
The 23-year-old joined the Veikkausliiga champions after dropping down the pecking order.
Joe Hart is the established first pick with Scott Bain recently signing a new deal while Vasilis Barkas could be heading for the exit.
Tobi Oluwayemi was also promoted to the first team and Hazard said: “I am at the point in my career where I need regular game time because at the end of the day my main aim is to be Celtic ’s number one goalkeeper.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to come here and show what I can do and I’ve heard that Helsinki is a beautiful place to live as well.
“Their style of football and the way they play seems to be similar to Celtic. They’re one of the biggest clubs in Finland and the amount of pressure they have on them every week is similar to what Celtic have and you need to perform and win every single game.
“It’s a great move for me and I’ll be able to build on what it’s going to be like at home. I’ve spent some time on loan at Partick Thistle and Dundee previously but this is definitely the most different loan that I’ve had so far in my career as It’s currently -5 here and it’s snowing like mad.
“It’s a completely different change of scenery but I’m really looking forward to playing in a new footballing environment and learning the way of life here and hopefully that will help me grow as a person and as a footballer as well.
“I’ve been a Celtic fan all my life and the club means everything to me. I used to get up at 5am to get the boat from Larne to Stranraer and then drive to Celtic Park, sometimes not getting home until 3am.
“My ambition is to be Celtic’s number one, so until the day I am told otherwise, I’ll be here competing for that jersey.”
Hazard admits he loved life under Ange Postecoglou despite struggling to break into his first-team and learned a lot from former England regular Hart, who’s been ever present between the sticks this season.
He continued: “Since the gaffer came in it’s been very, very good and I’ve personally loved every minute.
“He implemented his own style of football which everyone at the club loves. Joe (Hart) has come in as well and he’s been a big character around the club and to work alongside him every day has been an absolute privilege.
"I know that I am still young and have a lot to learn and the only way I am going to be able to do that is by getting regular game time so going out on loan was the best decision for me at this moment in time. Hopefully, I’ll come back next year with more games under my belt and we will see what happens.”
Hazard realised his dream when he played a big hand - quite literally - in helping Celtic win a unique quadruple treble.
He became a Parkhead hero in only his third game for the club as he saved two penalties in the shootout against Hearts in the Scottish Cup final to help the Hoops to unprecedented history at Hampden.
Hazard had a memorable month between December 2020 and January 2021, making his European and Scottish Premiership debut before retaining the position for the Scottish Cup victory over Hearts.
He also went on to start another six fixtures before being completely left out as Neil Lennon’s tenure came to an abrupt end.
A combination of injuries and timing saw him lift a trophy with his Celtic career in its infancy, and it’s a high the goalkeeper is desperate to sample again.
Reflecting on that momentous day, Hazard said: “When I was playing in the first-team last year it meant a lot to me and it was a surreal experience.
“It was a really proud moment for me and all my family back home. Being a part of that has given me more of a drive and determination to get that first-team spot back. It was something that I will never forget.
“It was an unbelievable day. To be trusted with that opportunity and to save two penalties in a Cup final was a dream come true and it is something that I will never forget. It was honestly one of the best days of my life so far.”
