Pundit issues verdict on Joe Hart being axed by Celtic after confirmed news
Benji Siegrist has little chance of ousting Joe Hart as Celtic number one, according to Noel Whelan.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Premier League and Aberdeen striker insisted it was “wise” for Celtic to have an experienced back up like Siegrist who knows the Scottish Premiership well.
The Hoops confirmed on Tuesday (21 June) that the 30-year-old had moved to Parkhead on a free transfer from Dundee United and had signed a four-year deal.
The Swiss stopper told club media he saw Hart as a “role model” but he wants to compete with him for the number one jersey.
“I think there’s got to be competition,” Whelan told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Whether he will take over from Joe Hart, I very much doubt it now.
“No disrespect to Dundee United but you can see a 30-year-old like him being back up to Joe Hart.
“I don’t think he’ll be able to outmuscle Joe Hart in that number one position but there’s no harm in having competition for Hart and having a good back up to come in.
“You can’t forsee injuries and suspensions so it’s always good to have that back-up of an experienced player who knows the league like he does. I think it’s a wise signing from Celtic.”
Hart, 35, kept 26 clean sheets in 54 games across all competitions in the 2021-22 season for Celtic.
The former England goalkeeper won the Scottish Premiership with the club – the third league title of his career.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has revealed Celtic are set to make a “£20million” announcement amid a “big-ticket” transfer claim.