Celtic are currently enjoying yet another dominant year in the Scottish Premiership. It hasn’t been a perfect campaign, but nevertheless, the Celts look to be on course for another title win at the conclusion of the season.

However, you cannot maintain dominance if you do not invest in the future – this is just one of several reasons why Conor Hazard should be given more of a chance between the sticks for Celtic’s senior team.

He has already played in five SPFL games for the Celts, where he kept four clean sheets and conceded just a single goal. All five of these appearances came during the 2020/21 season – he has not played in the league for Celtic since this.

Moreover, he is arguably a better option than the aging Joe Hart. The former Manchester City goalkeeper and Premier League winner has led a fruitful career and is capable of pulling off some spell-binding saves, but has always been prone to chaotic errors especially when it comes to his distribution. Unfortunately, these errors have not subsided as he has gotten older, either.

Hazard is a great shot-stopper, like Hart – he also has a penchant for saving penalties, as evidenced in the 2019/20 Scottish Cup Final penalty shootout.

At just 25, Hazard is ten years younger than Hart. Additionally, goalkeepers generally tend to have longer playing careers than outfield players – therefore, the Bhoys could get some real longevity out of the North Irishman if they wanted to.

In our opinion, they should give him more opportunities – Hazard doesn’t have to be Celtic’s first-choice ‘keeper forever, but he certainly deserves a chance to show he belongs at the club – especially with his contract set to expire in the summer.