Footballer Marvin Bartley has claimed that Joe Hart should wear the captain’s armband in Celtic’s upcoming Europa League fixture.
Due to a collection of different reasons, the Bhoys will face Real Betis in their opening European group match without a number of key players. Indeed, the likes of Liel Abada, Kyogo Furuhashi, Georgios Giakoumaukis, James Forrest, Nir Bitton and Greg Taylor are all set to miss the game.
Beyond that list, there is also club captain Callum McGregor who misses the game having picked up a recent knock.
Without McGregor, a question remains over who will take the captain’s armband for the game. While speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Bartley explained why he thought Hart was the right man for the job.
He said (42:40): ‘I’m going Joe Hart with the experience he has. I know he’s newly in the door, but the experience that he has.’
He then outlined his reasoning, saying his choice was due to: “How experienced he [Hart] is, and the level he has played at.”
TIF thoughts on Joe Hart and Celtic…
The former England number one left Tottenham Hotspur this summer, making the move to Scotland after signing a three-year contract with the Bhoys.
The 34-year-old, who is valued at £1.8 million (as per Transfermarkt), has made a solid start with his new club, featuring nine times in all competitions and keeping five clean sheets along the way.
Was Joe Hart a good signing for Celtic?
Yes
No
But it is what he has achieved before joining Celtic that has Bartley calling for Hart to be named captain. The goalkeeper has 75 international caps to go alongside over 300 English Premier League appearances too (as per Transfermarkt).
Add to that his 76 club matches played in Europe, and it certainly looks as though Hart has the experience to take on the role if called upon.
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