With the amount of competition at Celtic right now, a lot of players were expected to have a tough time getting into Ange Postecoglou’s side. As a result, it was the right decision for them to be sent out on loan in order to gain some first-team experience and develop their games further, so that when they return, they have a better chance to break into the Hoops’ team.
One Celtic player who has been out on loan since the start of the year is Conor Hazard, as goalkeeper is a position where the Hoops have an incredible amount of competition right now.
Joe Hart is the number one, even though a lot of questions have been raised about the Englishman and his ability to play with the ball at his feet. On the other hand, Benjamin Siegrist is an excellent back up option to have, and was considered as one of the best in the league during his time at Dundee United. Scott Bain is still at the club as well while Vasilis Barkas was sent out on loan in the summer to FC Utrecht.
For his part, Hazard has had an impressive spell at HJK Helsinki, helping them win the Finnish league title. And he collected some individual awards as well.
Celtic loanee wins fans’ Player of the Season award
As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Hazard was awarded the player of the season by HJK Helsinki’s official supporter’s association – Forza HJK.
Of course, Hazard has made his mark in a Celtic shirt already as well, and was the hero of the Scottish Cup final which sealed the Quadruple Treble for the Hoops.
He would soon be dropped out of the team that season though, in favour of Bain and Barkas, a decision that many fans felt was unfair considering, he was actually looking decent between the posts. Could Hazard end up having a future at Celtic?