Chris Sutton thinks new Celtic signing will be ‘crucial’ in pipping Rangers to title

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Chris Sutton has told Premier Sports TV that Joe Hart’s experience will prove to be “crucial” in their bid to stop Rangers in the title race. Hart has started well at Celtic, keeping two clean sheets in his four Celtic outings. Sutton thinks Hart will be pivotal for Celtic, during their 2021-22 season.

Hart, 34, joined Celtic from Tottenham earlier this summer – having only played 10 times for Spurs last season, as cover for Hugo Lloris. But the 75-time England international has put pen to paper on a three-year deal on a £15,000-a-week contract (Romano). He has started well for the Hoops.

Speaking after Hart’s excellent double save on Thursday, Sutton declared that he had been impressed by the ex-Manchester City goalkeeper. He states that Hart is clearly better than Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain – while also explaining why he will be “crucial”, as Celtic look to stop Rangers this term.

“It was nice to see,” Sutton said, when talking about Hart’s double save against Jablonec. “It was a nice reaction. He isn’t the goalkeeper that he once was. But he’s far better than Bain and Barkas. His experience for the Celtic back line is absolutely crucial this season. It was wonderful to see the reaction from the crowd – a Celtic goalkeeper making saves again.”

Sutton on Hart: What else do Celtic need to stop Rangers?

Clearly, Hart was much-needed. He was probably the signing that Celtic needed to make more than the others. Kyogo Furuhashi has five goals in five games, James McCarthy is a coup on a free – but Carl Starfelt has been very shaky in his opening performances.

Celtic still need more additions, though, if they are to challenge Rangers – even though Rangers have started poorly. The Hoops do need a new right-back despite Anthony Ralston’s stunning start. A left-back and another winger would be ideal. But Celtic are getting closer, especially with Hart.