Joe Hart Backs Sam Johnstone After Ibrox Defeat, Glasgow 2026

Key Points

• Former Celtic and England goalkeeper Joe Hart has publicly defended new Celtic signing Sam Johnstone following his difficult performance in the Glasgow Derby.
• Celtic suffered a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to rivals Rangers at Ibrox Stadium, resulting in their elimination from the Premier Sports Cup.
• Johnstone, a 33-year-old loanee from Wolves, endured a nervous afternoon during only his second appearance for the Hoops, with his handling and distribution drawing intense scrutiny.
• Speaking to Sky Sports, Joe Hart stated that the hostile Ibrox atmosphere likely shocked several of Celtic’s new players, but emphasized that Johnstone will recover and be “absolutely fine”.
• Martin O’Neill’s Celtic side face an immediate test of character with an upcoming UEFA Europa League fixture against Ferencvaros followed by a quick league rematch against Rangers at Celtic Park.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) September 17, 2026 — Former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart has offered a staunch vote of confidence to under-fire successor Sam Johnstone, insisting the experienced shot-stopper will emerge stronger from a chastening Glasgow Derby debut. Johnstone found himself at the center of intense post-match analysis after Martin O’Neill’s side crashed out of the Premier Sports Cup following a sobering 3-0 defeat to arch-rivals Rangers at Ibrox Stadium. The heavy loss, compounded by a nervy individual display from the recent arrival, has sparked widespread debate among supporters regarding Celtic’s immediate goalkeeping options ahead of crucial European and domestic fixtures.

How did Sam Johnstone perform during Celtic’s bruising defeat at Ibrox?

Stepping into the fiercest fixture in Scottish football for only his second appearance since joining the Hoops, Sam Johnstone endured a difficult afternoon in Govan. Having previously kept a clean sheet on his debut at McDiarmid Park, the 33-year-old loanee was handed the gloves ahead of Viljami Sinisalo for the high-stakes quarter-final clash. However, as Rangers dominated proceedings through goals from Dan Neil and Kevin Kelsy, Johnstone’s distribution and handling came under heavy scrutiny from pundits and supporters alike. The overwhelming intensity of the fixture left the defense visibly unsettled, culminating in a 3-0 scoreline that abruptly ended Celtic’s League Cup campaign.

What did Joe Hart say in defense of the struggling Celtic goalkeeper?

Addressing the mounting pressure on the current dressing room, former Celtic and England goalkeeper Joe Hart came forward to shield his fellow professional from excessive criticism. Speaking to Sky Sports, Hart argued that the hostile atmosphere and high stakes of an Old Firm match at Ibrox can overwhelm even seasoned campaigners.

As reported by Sky Sports, Hart stated that

“Of course he will [be fine]. The whole team were too nervous. The whole team felt it. It might have shocked a few of them”.

Hart added further context by drawing upon his own initial experiences of crossing the Glasgow divide, noting that the sheer velocity of the fixture takes time to absorb.

As reported by Sky Sports, Hart explained that

“I know that more than anyone. I remember playing my first derby game, with only home fans. It’s tough. I think that it might have shocked a few of them. 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”.

Furthermore, Hart urged observers to acknowledge the quality of the opposition rather than laying the entire blame at the door of the new recruit.

As reported by Sky Sports, Hart noted that

“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. So Sam will be absolutely fine”.

What lies ahead for Celtic following the Ibrox setback?

The fixture list offers little time for dwell-time or reflection as Martin O’Neill’s squad pivot immediately toward European commitments and a rapid domestic salvage operation. Celtic are scheduled to begin their UEFA Europa League group stage campaign against Hungarian side Ferencvaros at Celtic Park. This European fixture is swiftly followed by another high-intensity Premiership showdown against Rangers at the same venue just days later.

Emphasizing the importance of these upcoming fixtures, Joe Hart pointed out that the immediate sequence of games provides the ideal platform for a collective response.

As reported by Sky Sports, Hart concluded that

“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”.

Background of the development

The recent turbulence at Celtic follows a high-stakes transition period within the squad’s leadership and personnel structure. The Glasgow Derby remains one of world football’s most volatile fixtures, where new signings are frequently thrust into high-pressure environments without extended adaptation periods. Sam Johnstone’s arrival was designed to bring English Premier League experience to Celtic’s defensive unit, yet stepping into the vacuum left by previous long-serving custodians naturally magnifies every error. Historical precedents show that external criticism following an Old Firm defeat is intense, making public backing from respected figures like Joe Hart vital for preserving player confidence during a demanding autumn schedule.

Prediction on how this development can affect the club and supporters

The public endorsement from a revered figure like Joe Hart is expected to stabilize morale inside the Celtic dressing room, mitigating the risk of a prolonged psychological hangover following the League Cup exit. For the supporters, who have voiced understandable concerns over defensive vulnerabilities and squad depth, the immediate response in the upcoming Europa League fixture against Ferencvaros and the subsequent league rematch will dictate trust levels. If Johnstone and the broader team successfully channel the Ibrox disappointment into high-intensity performances, it could forge greater resilience within the squad. Conversely, any lingering hesitation could prompt manager Martin O’Neill to contemplate further personnel changes, intensifying competition for the starting goalkeeper jersey as the season intensifies.