Celtic player tipped for surprise international return

Celtic pulled off some stunning moves in the summer transfer window and they have been a huge reason behind their progress under the management of Ange Postecoglou this season, after finishing trophyless last time around. Joe Hart’s move to Parkhead certainly raised a lot of eyebrows, with the former Premier League winner penning a deal until the summer of 2024.

Given the struggles that Hart had been going through in the past few seasons, it was considered a bold transfer decision taken on the part of Celtic.

When many reckoned the Englishman was past his best days, it appears all Hart needed was a manager to put faith in his abilities. He has found that in Postecoglou and has appeared to regain his confidence between the posts. According to stats from Transfermarkt, Hart has made 48 appearances for Celtic this season, having kept 24 clean sheets in the process of doing so.

Due to his underwhelming performances with the gloves in the past few years, Hart has not been part of the England national team squad for a while. His last appearance for his country came in 2017, in an international friendly against Brazil.

Celtic star tipped for surprise England national team return

As reported by The Scottish Sun, talkSPORT pundit, Trevor Sinclair, said regarding the Manchester City legend and a potential return to the England national team:

"“Joe has put himself right up there with the top keepers in Scotland.“He’s got the experience — and, you never know, that England door might not be completely closed.“Stranger things have happened, particularly if he is playing Champions League next year. Let’s hope so.”"

At the moment, Celtic are atop the points table in the Scottish Premiership, enjoying a 6-point lead and look like the favourites to win the league title this season.

Winning the title would most potentially see them make the main stage of the Champions League for the 2022/23 campaign. And now, the focus for the Glasgow giants would be on winning it, after their treble hopes went up in smoke following their Scottish Cup elimination at the hands of the Rangers.

As for Hart, a return to the England national team would be the stuff of dreams but at the moment, it does feel pretty unlikely. Never say never in football though.