Former Celtic and Ireland legend Packie Bonner shares his praise on Joe Hart leaving, and wants the outgoing goalkeeper to leave on a high
Not just because he was leaving his boyhood club, and not because Celtic were the only team he'd played for at senior level – at that point in time, for the last 16 years – but because the decision was made behind his back.
But when Macari was sacked in Glasgow's east end just weeks after the slighting kerbside chat he and Bonner had shared, Burns, and indeed Bonner, returned to Paradise. "I'm sure he'll look back on his time at Celtic in a really positive light, more so perhaps than what went on in other places. It's not a long time at the club, but I think that when you look at the reaction the fans have had and his own involvement over those three years, it's been very positive.
Goalkeepers at Celtic don't get to make 20 saves per game, says Bonner, nor do they get to claim 20 crosses, or have 20 through-balls to deal with. Instead, goalkeepers at Celtic are required to make big saves in big moments; steely, mental giants who thrive under pressure and are always ready when called upon.
"But the big thing for him is that he's made the big saves in the big moments at the right times. And he's been on a winning team – and that's the critical factor. Another two huge qualities that Joe has are experience and he's got personality. He's a leader on and off the pitch and you can see that within him."
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