Packie Bonner, the former Celtic goalkeeper, has spoken out about the club’s current goalkeeping situation, suggesting that Liverpool’s backup, Caoimhin Kelleher, could be the right fit to challenge Joe Hart. Hart’s recent form, including a red card against Livingston, has been less than stellar, leading to questions about his long-term viability for the Hoops.

Scott Bain’s appearance off the bench last Saturday only underscored Celtic’s need for another goalkeeper. Brendan Rodgers, who has Liverpool ties, is rumoured to be quite keen on 24-year-old Kelleher.

Bonner was explicit in his assessment during BBC Sportsound as reported by The National, stating: “They do need, I think, a young goalkeeper coming through the system. I don’t see it. They’ve gone with Scott Bain today. They’ve got [Ben] Siegrist there who doesn’t seem to be pushing his way through to even become number two.”

He continued, “So that’s that’s a kind of a worry and they let Conor Hazard go down to England. I think that’s an area where they should have a number three really pushing through. A young guy.”

Bonner also mentioned the buzz around Kelleher: “There was talk about [Caoimhin] Kelleher coming up from from Liverpool. I don’t know if Liverpool will let him go from that point of view. Because he fits their bill and that would have been an ideal situation to see. Could he come in and Joe Hart then might have to phase out and become a support goalkeeper to him? But at the moment I think he’s number one.”

From a Celtic fan’s perspective, it’s crucial for the club to invest in a young, promising goalkeeper. Kelleher could be the ideal candidate to not only challenge Hart but also provide a long-term solution between the sticks. The Englishman’s contract is up at the end of the season, could there be a mutual parting of the ways or will Joe sign a new deal?