HAD Joe Hart not kept out a one-on-one with Jamie Murphy against Hibernian in the second half at Easter Road, Celtic may not currently be basking in the glory of their fifth straight win in all competitions.
The chances of an unlikely home comeback were finally snuffed out as the former England international spread himself and denied ex-Rangers man Murphy with a key save.
It was the latest big moment from Hart since arriving at Celtic, and captain Callum McGregor has been just as impressed by the 35-year-old off the park as he has on it.
“He’s been first class,” said McGregor. “Big massive moments in the game he makes two brilliant saves.
“Every single player in there congratulated him. He just said ‘That’s my job, I’ve got to keep the ball out of the net.’ It tells you humble he is as well, which is brilliant.
“In those moments you need big saves – and he’s been first class at that.
“The standards he sets every day for the younger lads to follow as well.
“The importance of that can’t be overlooked.”
McGregor was also pleased to see the injury-plagued Mikey Johnston make such a strong contribution at Easter Road on his first start since recovering from a hamstring injury picked up in pre-season.
The Celtic skipper thinks there is much more to come from the winger now that he is back to full fitness.
“It was brilliant,” he said. “He’s such a brilliant talent, bags of ability, bags of potential and he’s one as well that the manager’s asking a lot of him physically.
“He’s responding really well and the guys are doing some great work with him in the physio department and sports science to really get him to a level where he can go and make that impact.
“Against Hibs I thought he was sensational.”
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