Conor Hazard is reported to have turned down the chance to go on loan to Ross County to remain at Celtic as fourth choice goalkeeper.
Being back-up to Ross Laidlaw looks a more appealing prospect than being miles down the pecking order behind Joe Hart but perhaps after four different loan options he has decided to run down his contract and leave as a free agent in the summer.
Two years ago Hazard was in the spotlight after saving two penalties in the Scottish Cup Final against Hearts that completed the Quadruple Treble during the darkest period in Celtic’s history. At that stage Neil Lennon was playing Goalkeeper Bingo as he rotated between Hazard, Scott Bain and Vasilis Barkas.
Hazard turns 25 next month and looks to be taking control of his future as Football Scotland reports:
Conor Hazard turned down the chance to join Ross County on loan yesterday, it is claimed.
The Staggies launched a deadline day attempt to take the Celtic goalkeeper for the rest of the season, but he opted to stay put. The Hoops had agreed to sanction a loan switch for the 24-year-old who is way down the pecking order behind Joe Hart, Benji Siegrist and Scott Bain.
However, despite the opportunity for more chance of game time, the Northern Irishman turned down the move, according to the Daily Record. Hazard has a successful loan in Finland with HJK Helsinki last season and is out of contract at the end of this campaign.
The loan spell with HJK Helsinki appears to have been the most successful period for Hazard who is looking to return to Scandinavia when his Celtic deal expires.