Joe Hart's stance on new Celtic contract as goalkeeper makes his Parkhead priority clear

Joe Hart insists getting his hands on another title is far more important than grabbing a new contract with his Celtic future up in the air.

The former England goalkeeper’s situation has come into sharp focus with just months left on the three-year deal he signed in 2021 and no sign of a new shotstopper arriving in the east end of Glasgow. Time appears to be running out for the veteran and Celtic have been linked with moves for Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher and Real Madrid back-up Andriy Lunin as Brendan Rodgers hunts a long-term replacement.

Rodgers said earlier this month that he would sit down with Hart closer to the end of the season. And speaking after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Ross County, which kept Celtic five points clear of Rangers, the 36-year-old keeper repeated his desire to do everything to stay at the top of the game. But whether that’s enough to secure a new deal at Parkhead remains to be seen. Right now the only thing in his sights is a third Premiership gong.

Hart said: “I don’t think it’s too important at the moment if I’m honest. We have far more important things to focus on. From the moment I came up here I’ve always said I’m just looking forward to playing football and not really thinking about that side of it.

“I can only say I love being part of this team. The manager has been great to me, the goalkeeping coach, the lads - I love being round them and turning out every single day. How long can I stay at the top? Who knows - that’s out of my hands isn’t it?

“One thing I can leave in my hands is I can look after myself, work hard and physically be ready to train. I can push myself every single day. I can’t see that changing whether people want me as a professional footballer or not. It’s how I like to