He hadn’t gone away- iconic figure salutes Celtic’s comeback ‘kid’

When it comes to goalkeeping issues Gianni Buffon knows better than most what is needed to succeed at the top. 

For over two decades Parma, Juventus and Italy had a giant between the sticks in terms of both ability and leadership. 

Joe Hart’s career has been more erratic but a season with Torino brought him closer to Buffon who is still starring in Serie A at the age of 44 back at Parma. 

Casting his eye on the former England keeper, Buffon told the Daily Record: 

That player who was No.1 for Manchester City and England didn’t go away. He just needed to find his confidence again. I have always said you have to be a little bit crazy to be a goalkeeper because you are so isolated. 

As a defender, you are part of a defence. As a midfielder, part of a midfield. But the goalkeeper is the isolated player on the field. You make a mistake and all eyes are on you.

That is what happened with Joe. He made a couple of mistakes and people just decided he was not top level anymore. He needed a bit of love to find his level again and he has obviously got that love at Celtic. The top player is back and it is good to see. 

On Saturday Hart is expected to make his 48th Celtic appearance when St Johnstone visit Glasgow. 

A crowd of 60,000 is expected which is a far cry from last season where Hart made 10 cup-tie appearances all Behind Closed Doors. 

By the end of the season Hart could have completed the Scottish treble to add to the multiple medals he picked up at Manchester City.