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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Joe Hart can be replaced by Celtic 'traffic cone' as Ange told Champions League thinking must shift transfer priority

Tam McManus has warned Ange Postecolgou he will need a new Celtic No.1 to replace Joe Hart of their Champions League campaign next season.

The 36-year-old has been the first choice goalkeeper at Celtic Park since arriving from Tottenham shortly after Postecoglou stepped into the hot seat, but fingers have been pointed at the former England cap during recent displays. His performances against both Rangers and St Mirren have been criticised despite Hart playing a key part in the campaign that has taken the Hoops to the brink of a domestic Treble.

He has been the first choice throughout a campaign where Celtic have already picked up the Viaplay Cup and Scottish Premiership title – and will likely be between the sticks for the Scottish Cup final showdown with Inverness Caley Thistle next month. However, McManus reckons Postecoglou could put a "traffic cone" on the goal-line most weeks for domestic games.

He told PLZ that a new goalkeeper should be on the Parkhead transfer agenda this summer: "I think he’s good domestically but if Celtic want to do anything in the Champions League I don’t think he’s good enough.

"I think now you are starting to see it after that game (St Mirren) and I thought he was poor in the Old Firm game as well. For the first goal it’s low and he’s got get down and get that.

"Maybe it’s just a sign of him getting older and his reflexes are not as good. Domestically he is not tested. You could put a traffic cone in goal most of the time. For games in Europe and against Celtic I think they will be looking for an upgrade.”

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