Chris Sutton makes surprise Celtic suggestion for World Cup call

Chris Sutton believes that Joe Hart could be a late contender for a place in the England World Cup squad. 

Twelve months on from leaving Spurs for Celtic it is almost unimaginable to think of Ange Postecoglou’s side without the imposing presence of the former Manchester City keeper. 

His decline from the appointment of Pep Guardiola in 2016 has been well defined, stints at West Ham and Torino continued till he hit rock bottom as third choice at Burnley. 

A season at Spurs maintained his income levels but the challenge of Celtic offered first team football and the opportunity to battle it out for trophies. 

There may be the odd wobble or scare but at the age of 35 Hart is comfortable acting as an additional central defender without compromising his ability to pull off match-winning saves and providing inspiration to a relatively young squad. 

Taking in all of those qualities, Sutton told the Daily Record: 

When Liel Abada didn’t feel confident enough to do a TV interview due to not having properly grasped the new language, Hart did it for him while making sure he gave the messages Abada wanted. 

That’s not just being a good team-mate. That’s like acting as a big brother. Postecoglou wants characters. Men who will stand up when the chips are down and stay true to the club’s beliefs and his demands. 

I’m not in the dressing room, but from what I can tell, Hart has been absolutely vital to the success of the team as he’s a leader in there and he will go back into the Champions League group stage this season as one of the club’s most influential figures. 

Will he get to Qatar? Chances are no, even if he shines in Europe. Jordan Pickford is doing well and has never let Gareth Southgate down, while Aaron Ramsdale is also performing well at Arsenal. The No.3 slot might be up for grabs come November and there could be injuries and you wouldn’t put it past Hart shining in the Champions League and stating a World Cup case. 

In truth, I’d imagine that’ll be down his priority list. 

Maintaining a big influence at Celtic and performing with distinction will be his only target. 

If Hart’s first year at the club tells us anything, it’s that he’s going to do it. 

If Hart fails to make Gareth Southgate’s squad he does have the consolation of a few weeks off after Celtic’s November trip to Australia. 

Hart won the last of his 75 England caps in a friendly against Brazil in November 2017.