Former Manchester City, Newcastle and Celtic goalkeeper Shay Given has praised has praised Celtic star Joe Hart, stating his influence is "massive".

The two played together at the current Premier League champions and Irishman reckons the 35-year-old is enjoying himself in Glasgow.

He feels that while Hart may have been shocked at the expectation when he first came to the Parkhead side, he has equipped himself more than well to deal with the challenge.

Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: "I played against Joe a lot and we were team-mates at Man City.

"He was the No.1 but Pep Guardiola eventually didn’t fancy him. It was the same for me when Roberto Mancini didn’t fancy me.

"It happens in football. Joe had to go away and rebuild a little bit. He went to West Ham, had a few moves and things didn’t quite work out.

"But it’s nice to see him really settled in Glasgow, he looks right at home now. Joe obviously has tonnes of ability but he brings that experience and knowledge to the team as well.

"I’ve got no doubt he’s a massive presence in the dressing room."

"There is huge pressure on you to perform and win trophies every year. The place will be unrecognisable from my time there. I was talking to a few of the guys last weekend about the old Jungle!"

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And Given, who was at Celtic as a youth player, feels that Hart still has plenty of playing time left in front of him.

The Englishman's contract is up at the Hoops at the end of next season but the Irishman feels that the Parkhead number one is in it for the long haul.

"I played to 41 and there’s no reason why Joe can’t do the same," he continued. 'He’s only a youngster at 35.

'Knowing Joe, he’s so professional and extremely dedicated. He works really hard in the gym and looks after himself.

'It’s clear he’s really enjoying himself at Celtic. He’ll feel the same way we all did and want to play as long as he can because you are a long time retired.

'It’s things like the game on Saturday, when you see all those Celtic fans behind the goal, that remind you what you are missing.

'But when you look at his performances, there’s no need for him to even think about retiring any time soon."