Conor Hazard has joined HJK Helsinki on a year long loan.
In December 2020 the young keeper was the hero of Celtic’s Scottish Cup Final win over Hearts but within a month of that match Neil Lennon returned to rotating between Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain.
New boss Ange Postecoglou tried Bain and Barkas in goals before signing Joe Hart who has nailed down the goalkeeping position after a year of turmoil.
HJK offers Hazard, who turns 23 today, the chance to get his career back on track although it seems unlikely that he will be returning at the end of 2022 to challenge for a place at Celtic.
Speaking to the Celtic website, Postecoglou explained:
We are sure this move will be good for Conor, it will be an important opportunity for game-time and I know he will embrace this next period. In HJK Helsinki we believe it will be a great environment for him.
I know HJK and Celtic have enjoyed good co-operation before and I think the loan period will be very positive for everyone concerned. We all wish Conor the very best.
Tobi Oluwayemi seems to be the rising star among Celtic’s young goalkeepers but could soon be facing the same dilemma that has stalled Hazard’s career.
At the age of 17 playing alternate matches in the Lowland League is decent experience but unlikely to provide the stepping stone to first team football.
Getting the right loan deal to put him in contention to replace Hart is the key with Hazard and Ross Doohan unable to get the match exposure to replace Craig Gordon or Fraser Forster.
CLICK HERE for Hazard Transfermarkt profile.