Joe Hart: We'll be well-prepared and ready for Livingston test

Celtic F.C.

·29 March 2024

Joe Hart: We'll be well-prepared and ready for Livingston test

Joe Hart welcomed the international break and the chance to spend some time away from the training ground.

But the Celtic goalkeeper, like the rest of his team-mates, was also delighted to return to Lennoxtown and get back down to business.

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That’s involved preparing for this Sunday’s trip to Livingston, and Hart is hoping that over the next few weeks, the squad will be back to more or less full strength as they chase silverware on two fronts.

The Hoops returned to the top of the Premiership table with a victory over St Johnstone, and the aim is to deliver another three points this weekend to maintain that place.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game, the 36-year-old said: “We’ve got to keep everyone in as good a condition as we possibility can, have as strong a squad to pick from and look to attack every game.

'We’re in a good place. There’s always that fresh feeling after an international. You spent a lot of time together so it’s nice to have some time apart.'

“We’re getting a few people back fit so I feel like we’re in a good spot.

“There’s no doubt we’re at our best when we’ve got everyone available and the manager’s got decisions on who he wants to pick in every single position.

“We’re strong when everyone is fit and we’re getting towards that point and that’s an exciting place to be with such a potentially exciting end to the season.”

Celtic will take on Livingston without Brendan Rodgers in the dugout, with the Hoops boss suspended for the game.

However, Hart believes that the preparations the team are going through this week will stand them in good stead for the 90 minutes ahead, along with the fact that the experienced John Kennedy will be taking over the reins for the game.

“The manager’s had time to put his message across of what he needs and what he from us,” the Celtic keeper said.

'There is an incredible coaching staff who’ve been here for a good while now and who we all feel comfortable with.'

“There’s no doubt we want Brendan in the dugout with us but the rules say that he’s not there, but he’s still going to do everything he possibly can to help us and that’s no different.

“The most important game is Livingston. We won’t have Brendan in the dugout with us but John Kennedy will step in. My whole journey’s been with him and he’s an exceptional coach.

“He’s definitely got managerial skills from learning from great managers such as Brendan and working with Ange.

“We’ll just concentrate on what you can take care of, and right now that’s training sessions and then, obviously, on Sunday, we’ve got a game, a very important game and we’re all looking forward to being involved in it.”