JOE HART’S certain Brendan Rodgers still has the fire and commitment to drive Celtic to glory.
SunSport explosively revealed senior Parkhead figures are concerned Rodgers is trying to “engineer his exit” on the back of a shambolic transfer window.
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The Irishman’s now into the final year of his deal and has repeatedly vowed publicly he WILL see it through to the end of the season.
However, his comments over the club’s transfer business have not only left the hierarchy unhappy but also left them sure the 52-year-old could still exit during the campaign.
Former No1 Hart, however, has no worries over his ex-boss’ focus on the job.
Back in Paradise for the Celtic Legends-Manchester United Legends fund-raising match, the hugely popular 38-year-old said of Rodgers and assistant John Kennedy: “Undoubtedly, they’re a top management team.
“But a top management team has to endure tough times.
“And that’s what defines them…that’s what makes them the top managers they are.
“Brendan keeps his cool, keeps organised. John Kennedy keeps his cool, Stevie Woods.
“You’ve got to be able to endure that, especially at a club like this, especially in the transfer window.
“And it’s tough.
“But you must stick together, you must believe in each other and I’m sure they do.
“But now you know, you have that definitive cut off line of September 1, you know what you’ve got, you know where everyone stands and you can move forward.”
Treble-winner and former England star Hart – over 150 games for the Hoops in three years – is also unwavering over the capability of a squad looking weaker but with still many of his ex-team-mates.
Asked about them, he said: “Of course I still have that belief.
“There are so many players I know in there.
“It’s a turbulent transfer window for a club that has ins and outs. There’s no getting away from it, especially with it going on now during a season.
“It’s hard. Players will be talking about leaving, players will be talking about coming and there’s so much more in-between as we all know.
“But to have that transfer window closed, you draw a line under it.
“This is your team, this is your squad to go forward and have a successful league campaign, cup campaign.
“And the Europa League, I know it’s not the competition everyone wants to be in, but it’s still a magnificent tournament to play in.
“I really believe that this team can stamp its authority on it.
“They’ll have a great talk when everyone’s back in and they’ll be looking forward to that Kilmarnock game.
“And they’ll be ready to go.”
Hart, meanwhile, addressed Daizen Maeda’s situation after last season’s top scorer and player of the year revealed he’d wanted away during the transfer window, had agreed a move – but was forced to stay by the club.
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He said: “Daizen’s one of the most matter-of-fact people I’ve ever met.
“He comes in to do business.
“Whichever shirt he represents, he will represent.
“Now that the window’s closed, whatever’s gone on, I don’t know.
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“It’s none of my business, to be honest.
“But I know now that the window’s shut, Daizen will be out there to give his all and perform well for Celtic because they’re his employers, they’re the team and the fans who absolutely adore him.”
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