‘Massive influence’: Jack Butland says he’s always admired one ‘unbelievable’ Celtic player
Current Rangers goalkeeper, Jack Butland, has admitted that he’s always been a huge admirer of one Celtic player throughout his entire career.
Butland joined the Ibrox club on a free transfer and whilst he tried to help dislodge Celtic as the dominant force He can’t resist stealing adoring looks at Hoops goalie Joe Hart across the River Clyde when it comes to Scottish football.
Over the past two seasons, the 36-year-old veteran has been crucial to Celtic’s assertion as Scotland’s best club, and Butland has expressed his respect for the former England international.
According to Butland (Scottish Football Podcast), “Even though I adore the guy, he’s currently on the other side.” I was fortunate to have had Joe, who came on loan from Man City for a season and did amazing, sort of in my youth at Birmingham coming through the academy.
“He was England. So I was like, ‘I’ve got to be this guy.’
“He was the guy, the following year was Ben Foster, that was like back to back to top, top goalkeepers. English goalkeepers as well.
“Which is obviously a massive influence to watch and learn from two very different goalies but two top goalies.
“Over my career, Joe has been someone I’ve looked up to and simultaneously aspired to be like, but in the end, he was the person I wanted to be.”
“I desired to accept that. If it suits you, take that role. Thus, yes, since coming here, I’ve been asked a lot of questions about him and the apparent ties.
“However, I might talk about him in a more candid and open manner in a few years.”He was, for the time being at least, a terrific role model for me throughout my career and someone I deeply respect, but he’s on the other side for this season.
Joe Hart’s incredible Celtic career
It’s no secret that Hart joined Celtic during a turbulent period for the team. Hart had the difficult task of succeeding the Greek tragedy Vasilis Barkas, having recently finished the COVID season without a trophy.
I recall that there was real concern for Hart’s performance when he initially donned the Number One jersey. Ultimately, it had been more than a year since he had last participated in a competitive game, and the Celtic supporters were still in shock from witnessing Barkas play goal for an entire season.
However, it is reasonable to state that his signing has been a complete success. After the great Kenny Dalglish, Hart is the only other Celtic player in history to have won every domestic award in both Scotland and England. Hart is a treble winner.
Hart, who has declared his intention to retire from football at the end of the season last week, is eager to add more titles to his resume after winning five winners medals in just two seasons.
Butland’s admiring looks for his hero will only get stronger if Hart wins the final two domestic championships before hanging up his mitts with the league and Scottish Cup left to play.
