Celtic do not have an absolutely set starting XI under the management of Ange Postecoglou. While the Australian does not make a lot of changes, he still does like to tweak things from one match to another and keep things fresh. That has served him well during his time at the Hoops till now and the depth of the squad has meant that they have been able to put up positive results, despite having to deal with injuries to key players.
The only nailed on starter in Celtic’s team right now is Joe Hart. When the club had signed him in the summer of 2021, a lot of eyebrows had been raised at the move and understandably so.
Hart had not been a starter for a club for quite some time at that point of time and on top of that, he was not viewed as the right fit for Postecoglou’s style of football considering that he is not the best with the ball at his best.
The English veteran has made it work though and has been a starter for Celtic ever since he has arrived. Frank McAvennie does not believe that that will be the case come next season though. As reported by Football Insider, he said:
"“I think Joe has got bags of experience.“He has got a year, he will not do anything rash or stupid. I think Siegrist will be number one.“At this moment in time Joe Hart has not done anything wrong to give that up. But he knows next year things can change.”"
Celtic starter has been tipped to be dropped next season
It is safe to say that Hart is a very good goalkeeper and has earned his place in the Celtic starting XI. But at the same time, he is not a long-term solution for the Hoops.
He is 35 years of age and will be 36 by the time this season comes to a close. Thus, Celtic will have to start thinking about a replacement there sooner or later.
At the same time though, one has to wonder whether Benjamin Siegrist is the guy to take up the mantle. While highly rated at Dundee United, he has barely played since his arrival in the summer.