It won’t be recorded on the scoresheet but on the hour mark Celtic fans witnessed what could be one of the most significant moments of the season.
Leading 2-0 thanks to a double from David Turnbull a couple of chances opened up for Jablonec, twice Joe Hart defied them with powerful saves.
They were instinctive, reactionary saves. The sort of saves that Celtic fans haven’t seen since Fraser Forster packed his bags for Southampton.
Hart has been in the football wilderness over the last few years but tonight he found a little bit of the spotlight, and the fans around him roared as loudly as they had for Turnbull’s goals.
Keeper’s can turn matches, something that the fans got used to when Forster joined in August 2019. Without his saves there would have been no home win over Lazio or Betfred Cup success.
Vasilas Barkas never got close to those levels, many fans see Scott Bain as nothing more than a decent back-up.
Tonight Hart looked the part, the fans want a new hero between the sticks with the former England keeper looking like he could fill the big boots of Forster.
65′ – ? SAVES! ?
? Joe Hart pulls off two superb saves in quick succession ?
?2?-0???#UEL | #CELFKJ | #COYBIG
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 12, 2021
Isn’t it reassuring to have an actual ‘keeper again? Beautiful, big Joe.
— Flynn ???? (@eightsixonesix) August 12, 2021
I think I love joe hart ?? omg two incredible saves there outstanding joe Bhoy HH still canny believe we’ve got him permanently #Celtic #COYBIG
— Jamie Michael Paul Parker (@JayBhoyWolf) August 12, 2021
“Once upon a time we had Barkas in goal, now we arnae falling apart, because save after save it’s the fingertips of Joe Hart”.
— Geeand (@Geeand87) August 12, 2021
a keeper with hands?
— Aidan (@Aidan_csc) August 12, 2021
That’s why we signed him! ???
— Scott ???????? (@pukki_scotty) August 12, 2021
Class big man ??
— Jimmy Greenaway (@keltyjimbob) August 12, 2021
Saves? From a Celtic keeper? Nahhh
— BrenDahl Tomasson (@brendanovski) August 12, 2021