Joe Hart Reflects on Celtic’s Euro Goalkeeping Target

Former Celtic custodian Joe Hart has given a blunt assessment of Slovakia’s Martin Dubravka’s recent performance against Ukraine, voicing issues that may resonate with Celtic fans.

With Celtic looking for a new starting custodian after Hart retired last season, 35-year-old Dubravka has emerged as a major target. The Slovakian custodian, who presently plays for Newcastle United, was in the spotlight during Slovakia’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine, which ended in a 2-1 defeat. Roman Yaremchuk’s crucial goal has put doubt on Dubravka’s chances, with Hart pointing out flaws in his play.

Hart delivered a blunt critique. “Dubravka’s got to wait to see what he does, whether he can come and claim it if the touch is big,” he told the BBC. “Through the air, his thought process is ‘can I come, can I come?’ No, he would have had to spear him at waist height.”

Hart’s comments, who has previously played in goal for Celtic and the England national team, are especially poignant because they reveal a potential fault in Dubravka’s game. The former Celtic goalie’s insight into the complex decision-making of a goalkeeper under pressure may give Brendan Rodgers pause as he considers his choices for a dependable successor.

Celtic fans have high expectations for anyone who wears the gloves. They’ve had some terrific goalkeepers over the years; the last time they tried to replace a brilliant goalie, they recruited Vasilis Barca, who proved to be an absolute disaster.

Of course, no custodian is flawless; not even Joe Hart would have claimed to be perfect throughout his tenure. Celtic must ensure that they can secure the greatest custodian possible as they go ahead not only domestically, but also in Europe.

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