There may not be a more popular duo at Celtic right now than Matt O’Riley and Joe Hart.
O’Riley is the standout player of the year candidate and could have that honour confirmed in a ceremony at the Hydro on Sunday.
He was also the catalyst needed to beat Rangers on Saturday, smashing a fierce shot past Jack Butland to send the Bhoys on their way to a 2-1 win.
Hart meanwhile is on a glorious retirement tour and is on the brink of adding two more winners’ medals to his collection before hanging up his gloves for good this summer.
They’ve been fantastic additions to Celtic over the last few seasons and are cementing a legacy as modern icons of the club.
Joe Hart reaches milestone with Celtic
The win over Rangers was Hart’s 150th start since joining the Bhoys and he was happy to celebrate that in the aftermath, posting on Instagram: “150 games for a club that means so much to me. Celtic, I can’t thank you enough. Work still to do, let’s do it together.”
Hart must be relishing the next few weeks. It will be an emotional time for him but you can tell he is intent on remaining focused and professional until honours are achieved. We’d expect nothing less.
O’Riley put the focus on the fans with his Instagram message, stating simply: “Thank you. Your support today was unbelievable.”
There’s been a lot of chatter about O’Riley’s future in recent months. Some think he’s destined for a big-money summer move while fans are simply hopeful he will give us another season in green and white.
If he does go, Celtic can command a huge fee. His 33 goals and assists this term – including at the highest level – have alerted cash-rich clubs to his potential.
Whether he stays or goes, right now we should simply enjoy him and continue to show him the love that is clearly providing him with the confidence needed to shine.