Joe Hart has reassured doubters that Sam Johnstone will be "absolutely fine" despite his challenging performance in Celtic's 3-0 defeat to Rangers.
The former Celtic and England goalkeeper believes the entire team struggled during the Premier Sports Cup match at Ibrox.
🗣️ "It might have shocked a few of them."
🗣️ "The whole team felt it. Sometimes you have got to credit the opposition."
Former goalkeeper Joe Hart reflects on Celtic's League Cup defeat to Rangers and previews Sunday's Premiership Old Firm clash - live on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/MaizmmJi6X— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) September 16, 2026
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hart suggested that the players were taken aback by the intensity of the season's first Glasgow Derby. He said: "Of course he will [be fine]. The whole team felt it.
"It might have shocked a few of them. But sometimes you've got to credit the opposition. They came, they brought the atmosphere, they brought the intensity, and they were on it.
"Celtic were slightly off it, and that's all it takes in a game like that. Sam will be absolutely fine."
Hart, who knows the pressure of a Glasgow Derby, admitted he was surprised by its intensity when he first experienced the fixture. He said: "I know that more than anyone. I remember playing my first derby game, with only home fans. It's tough.
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"I remember being warned going up there. 'Are you ready for this?' I was like, 'You're kidding me. Of course I am ready.' Then I remember the first five minutes thinking, 'Jeez, this is a lot.'
"But it's got to turn you on."
Despite the team's disappointment on Sunday, Hart believes Celtic have the chance to bounce back quickly.
They face Ferencvaros in the Europa League on Thursday and then meet Rangers again in the Premiership at Celtic Park on Sunday.
He said: "They've got a great opportunity on Thursday in the Europa League, then a massive opportunity in the following couple of days at Celtic Park."
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