Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Dean Henderson has revealed that Celtic’s number one Joe Hart was his inspiration growing up.

Henderson, who is currently on loan from Manchester United, followed Hart as he became first choice for both Manchester City and England, and he says the 35-year-old was a player he idolised:

“Growing up actually, when I became a goalkeeper, I think Joe Hart was [my hero]. Just seeing him progress. I was still at Carlisle before I went to Manchester United and then seeing Joe do it, the way I wanted to do it. Then go out on loan and build his way up in Manchester City’s team. He was one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, at the time. Unbelievable for England. He was probably my idol growing up. When I went to Shrewsbury, he had affiliations with Shrewsbury and stuff like that. Then I managed to meet him and talked to him. And he was someone I looked up to.”

As many will know, Hart had a sudden fall from grace following the arrival of Pep Guardiola at City in the summer of 2016. His confidence sapped during loan spells at Torino and West Ham before reaching his nadir when he was relegated to backup goalkeeper at Burnley.

After a brief stint at Tottenham, he was given a new lease of life when Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou took a chance on him last year, and he had a very strong first season at Parkhead.

Hart has offered an assured presence in between the sticks for the Hoops; something that had been missing for quite some time, and he played a key role in regaining the Scottish Premiership title. Henderson would undoubtedly have been delighted to see his boyhood hero back at the top of his game.