Why Joe Hart took Celtic penalty as 'big mouth' not backed up before non celebration dripping with relief

Joe Hart admits his big mouth led him to step up and take a Celtic penalty at Hampden.

The keeper was the Hoops' shock fifth taker as they needed a shoot-out to eventually see off Aberdeen after a thrilling 3-3 Scottish Cup semi-final slugfest at the national stadium. Ryan Duncan failed to convert the Dons' fourth kick, handing the champions the chance to book their final date against either Rangers or Hearts on May 25. But fans were baffled to see keeper Hart step up, much like Ederson did for Hart's former club Man City in midweek.

But unlike the Brazilian, Hart struck the woodwork to give Aberdeen a lifeline, which Junior Hoilett pounced on to force sudden death. Hart then redeemed himself after Alistair Johnston and Jack Milne both scored, denying Killian Phillips to ensure Brendan Rodgers' 100 per cent Scottish Cup record remained in tact, as well as the club's hopes of winning the double this season.

"I put myself forward," Hart told Premier Sports. "I've got the biggest mouth when it comes to penalties and they gave me the opportunity. There's a lot of trust and a lot of hard work gone into that. I took that penalty with confidence. I missed it, but what a game eh?

"We should have never been at penalties. We should have put that game to bed. James scored probably one of my favourite goals of the season and I was hoping that would win us the game. But we got it done, that was the most important thing."

Hart made amends by saving Ryan Duncan's spot-kick in sudden death to send Celtic through. And his lack of celebration illustrated just how much relief he was feeling after blowing their earlier chance to finish things.

He added: "That wasn't a feeling of elation, that was a feeling of: 'Wow, I really needed to do