Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart is on the verge of retirement as he nears his last professional match this weekend in the Scottish Cup final.
The Bhoys have already secured Scottish Premiership title success, with Hart leading the celebrations at full-time after their victory over St Mirren.
Lifting the trophy alongside Callum McGregor, the former England international has symbolized the winning mentality Celtic built up under Ange Postecoglou and now Brendan Rodgers, who will be determined to end the season as a domestic double holder.
From a personal standpoint, Saturday will be Hart’s 153rd and final appearance for the Hoops, in which he has kept 63 clean sheets and won six major honours [Transfermarkt].
Can he play a part in achieving lucky number seven against Rangers? It is too soon to say; regardless, his presence between the sticks will be hard to replace at Parkhead.
With that in mind, his former teammate Shay Given has offered his verdict on why Hart and Celtic have been a match made in heaven.
Shay Given discusses his former teammate Joe Hart
Speaking to BBC Sport, ex-Manchester City stopper Shay Given has lauded Hart for showing his experience in Celtic’s more precarious moments this term to help his side over the line.
He stated: “Going to Celtic has been brilliant for him. He has had an amazing career and he is finishing on a real high in Scotland. What a way it will be for him to go out if they win the Scottish Cup final as well as winning the league again. It would be fairytale stuff and he has earned it.
“I am a Celtic fan as well so I’ve been following him closely since he went there. The title looked like it was maybe slipping away, but they managed to hang in there.
“It is people like Joe with his experience and character that make such a difference in these situations.
“He has been there before, chasing teams down and winning the Premier League of course, and that experience and influence is so important off the pitch as well as off it. It’s been vital for Celtic in the last couple of seasons.”
Joe Hart has been a pillar of strength for Celtic
Coming in at a time when Celtic were at their most vulnerable, Hart has provided leadership and an ability to make match-winning stops as the last line of defence.
Moving on in the off-season, the club has the unenviable task of trying to find another experienced figure to help maintain high standards at Parkhead, whether that comes through his successor or another new arrival.
Either way, Hart will receive a rousing reception on Saturday, and hopefully, will ride off into the sunset with another trophy under his belt.