“I always fancy Celtic, I always back them to do it,” Joe Hart | OneFootball

Joe Hart reckons that Celtic have two massive opportunities over the next four days to put right the 3-0 defeat at Ibrox on Sunday by beating both Ferencvaros tomorrow and the Rangers on Sunday with both games being played at Celtic Park…

Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart celebrates the second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC v St Mirren at Celtic Park on May 18, 2024. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart has given his thoughts in a Sky Sports interview on Celtic’s 3-0 defeat at Ibrox on Sunday.  He also discussed the performance of fellow Englishman Sam Johnstone who certainly had a very bad day in goals for the Scottish Champions.

Asked what he made of Celtic’s defeat despite being confident going into the Premier Sports Cup tie at Ibrox: “They were coming in with confidence and rightly so. But anything can happen in this games,” Joe Hart replied.

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup, Rangers versus Celtic; Sam Johnstone of Celtic checks his gloves after Dan Neil of Rangers shoots and scores in the 75th minute to make it 3-0 to Rangers. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“I know that more than anyone. I remember playing my first Derby game, with only home fans. It’s tough. I think that it might have shocked a few of them.

“I remember being warned going up there. “Are you ready for this” – I was like, you’re kidding me. Of course I am ready,” Joe Hart added.

13th September 2026; Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Dan Neil of Rangers shoots and scores in the 22nd minute to make it 1-0

“Then I remember the first five minutes thinking, jeez, this is a lot. But it’s got to turn you on. And they’ve got a great opportunity on Thursday in the Europa League then a massive opportunity in the following couple of days at Celtic Park.”

Joe Hart was asked about being ready in relation to Sam Johnstone who had his first experience of the game on Sunday The Sky Sports reporter wanted to know if Hart felt the former England goalkeeper was too nervous and if he will be better for it going forward.

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Rangers and Celtic players react on the pitch. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“Of course he will. The whole team were (too nervous). The whole team felt it. It might have shocked a few of them.”

“But sometimes you’ve got to credit the opposition. They came, they bought the atmosphere, they bought the intensity and they were on it. Celtic were slightly off it and that’s all it takes in a game like that.

“So Sam will be absolutely fine.”

13th September 2026; Ibrox. Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Sam Johnstone of Celtic hugs Viljami Sinisalo of Celtic as he leaves the pitch. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Asked about this Sunday and if he fancies Celtic to put it right when the two teams meet again, this time in the league and at Celtic Park when it will be only Celtic fans in attendance, Joe Hart said: “Same as City, I always fancy Celtic, I always back them to do it.”

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