Ex-Celtic star backs new arrival to prove his critics wrong

The former Celtic and England goalkeeper said the whole team struggled during Sunday’s 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 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 an Old Firm, said 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.

“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 can respond quickly from the defeat, with two matches against European and domestic opposition ahead.

They face Ferencvaros in the Europa League on Thursday before meeting Rangers again in the Premiership at Celtic Park on Sunday.

Hart 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.”