By Frank McAvennie

31st Oct, 2023 | 6:30am

Celtic told to agree double goalkeeper deal after Joe Hart talks open - expert

Celtic need to sign a new number-one goalkeeper but should renew Joe Hart’s contract.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham and Scotland striker Frank McAvennie urged the Hoops to extend Hart’s contract which expires at the end of this season.

Hart moved to Celtic Park from Tottenham in the summer of 2021 and has been the Hoops’ number one since his arrival, making 102 appearances in all competitions.

The former England international signed a three-year deal and is set to leave Celtic at the end of this season, meaning the club may be in need of a new shot-stopper soon.

On 21 October, Football Insider revealed that the former England international has entered talks with the club over prolonging his stay in Glasgow.

Celtic’s other goalkeepers, Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist, have had their issues with ability and injuries respectively, prompting McAvennie to want a new first-choice shot-stopper.

Meanwhile, he urged the club to extend Hart’s contract and keep him at Celtic Park as a more dependable backup option.

“I would think they would [extend his contract]. I would want to see him, but I think we need a number one. I would not have a problem with that one little bit,” he told Football Insider.

“For me, having Benjamin Siegrist or Scott Bain, I don’t get that. They’ll come in and do a job. Siegrist is injured too much, he’s never fit. Bain, his confidence might be a bit down.

“I just think we need a number one. We can keep Joe Hart for another year.”

In other news, Philippe Clement is making big changes to Rangers’ starting lineup after what an expert has spotted.