Sam Johnstone backed to bounce back from his Ibrox horror show

Sam Johnstone is in the midst of the wave of criticism that is being directed towards the former England international for his poor and nervous performances against the Rangers at Ibrox last Sunday.

Joe Hart knows a thing or two about being thrown into the deep end in a Glasgow derby, and yesterday he backed his fellow countryman to put the disappointment behind him and go on to be a valuable player for Celtic this season.

Joe Hart was thrown into a Glasgow Derby back in August 2021, and with the absence of away supporters also that day. The former Manchester City and England keeper told of his own nerves, even though he was a highly experienced EPL winning goalkeeper with Champions League and plenty of international experience behind him.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hart 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.”

He said: “I know that more than anyone. I remember playing my first derby game, with only home fans. It’s tough.

“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.”

Celtic have a chance to respond quickly to their disappointment, with a two successive home clashes starting with Ferencvaros in the Europa league, before facing the Ibrox side once more on Sunday afternoon.

Joe Hart looked on the positive side of things, saying: “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.”