Celtic v Ferencvaros – Joe Hart defends Sam Johnstone after Ibrox humiliation
Joe Hart has backed Sam Johnstone to recover from a difficult Glasgow Derby debut after Celtic’s 3-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox.
Johnstone endured a nervous afternoon in his second appearance since joining the Hoops, with his distribution and handling coming under scrutiny as Martin O’Neill’s side crashed out of the Premier Sports Cup.
However, former Celtic and England goalkeeper Hart has reassured the 33-year-old that he will be “absolutely fine”, insisting the entire Hoops side struggled to cope with the intensity of the occasion.
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.”
Hart spent three seasons at Celtic and experienced the unique pressure surrounding the Glasgow Derby first-hand.
Recalling his own introduction to the fixture, he admitted even his experience at the highest level did not fully prepare him for its intensity.
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 now have little time to dwell on their Ibrox disappointment, with O’Neill’s side beginning their Europa League campaign against Ferencvaros on Thursday before another meeting with Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday.
Hart believes those fixtures provide an immediate opportunity for the Hoops to respond.
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.”
