There are worse places to be in the world in November than stalling around in the Sydney sunshine and stopping for the occasional selfies with Celtic supporters.
But there’s a part of Joe Hart that would rather be elsewhere this week. Like Qatar. The Celtic no.1 is relishing the Australia experience with the Parkhead club but there’s nothing that can compare with competing on the biggest stage in the game.
Hart was part of the England squad for South Africa in 2010 and he played in Brazil four years later on his way to 75 caps for the Three Lions. And while he is loving life with the Hoops, the keeper admits to feeling a tad green-eyed at what lies ahead for Gareth Southgate’s side in the coming weeks. Hart said: “It’s the ultimate. Do you wish you were part of it? Of course you do. That feeling will never die once you’ve had a taste for it and you know what it’s like.
“Maybe when I hang my gloves up I’ll be able to look at it like a fan. But right now you look at these opportunities and wish you were there.”
Hart has been one of Ange Postecoglou ’s Hoops heroes and perhaps it’s no wonder the shot stopper never seems flustered. There are huge demands for success at Celtic but England expects when it comes to World Cups.
The Auld Enemy have been crying the burden of 1966 for generations and every time the tournament comes around the heat is on to end the decades of hurt. Hart was part of squads who featured star turns who were tipped to make history – but feel short when the big event came around.
The keeper admits if you can survive that level of scrutiny and demand, you can be ready for anything. Not that Hart ever really allows the outside influences to get under his skin.
The 35-year-old enjoys expectation. It’s why he’s relishing his lease of life at Parkhead after a frustrating couple of seasons down south.
Hart would give everything to feel that World Cup buzz again but he’s getting his kicks from Celtic at the moment. When asked about the World Cup pressure cooker, Hart admitted: “It is intense – but it’s just exciting.
“You see it as an opportunity. You build a great squad and spirit, and you go in with the intention of doing really well.
“That never change. There’s probably a lot of outside noise but you have to live in the moment.
“I just try to really simplify everything I do to get the best our of myself. If you can offer that, there’s not much more anyone can ask than you do your best.”
It’s an approach that’s worked in the Premiership title race as Celtic headed to Australia with a nine point lead. And it won’t change in Oz. Manager Ange Postecoglou ripped his squad after their defeat to Sydney on Thursday and is demanding a reaction against Everton tomorrow morning.
Hart doesn’t need much extra motivation. He sat out the opening game but doesn’t want to miss this one.
The keeper knows the big priorities for Celtic lie away from a couple of glamour friendlies in the southern hemisphere. But that doesn’t mean there’s not a certain level of enjoyment for the Three Lions legend when it comes to the prospect of taking on a former Premier League foe – who happens to have one of his old England pals in charge.
Everton gaffer Frank Lampard was in the engine room for the majority of Hart’s cap haul and the pair were regular rivals over the years down south with the shot stopper at Man City and former midfielder at Chelsea. The Celtic ace said: “Is there a bit of spice? Yes, it should be interesting. I’ve not played them in a while and it will be good to see a few pals like Frank and a few of the lads. Obviously we want to win the game!
“Frank is a great guy – but obviously we want to win. That's our intention for every game and that won’t change over here.”
Hart will be as competitive as always but he’s enjoyed the relaxed feeling in Oz, as well as the chance to give a bit back to the fans. Expat and travelling supporters have had the chance to watch their side training and playing, sending tons of time signing autographs and posing for pictures.
Hart is more generous with his time than most and while it would be easier to lie on a longer for an extra week, he knows this trip is priceless for bonding in the team – and with the support. He said: “It’s a long, long trip and it takes the body a bit of time to get used to it.
“It does help with the bonding, we’re going through life experience together. I’ve been on a lot of these kinds of trips but this one is a long way and it’s two games with a quick turnaround.
“I’ve been on a few in pre-season where you don’t know where you are half the time! But with this one it’s clear they really want us to be here and we want to come and entertain.”
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