CELTIC are closing in on a bumper contract extension for shock new No1 Conor Hazard.
SunSport understands talks have been on-going since the summer with the 22-year-old.
Celtic keeper Conor Hazard is in line for a new dealCredit: SNS Group
And now after his stunning breakthrough Hoops boss Neil Lennon is keen to get Hazard’s immediate future tied up with his present deal expiring next summer.
The Northern Ireland international has been assured in both the Europa League victory over Lille and Sunday’s 2-0 Premiership win over Kilmarnock.
Lennon axed £4.5 million Vasilis Barkas after previously recalling him for Scott Bain.
Now 6’4 Hazard – who has had impressive loan spells at Falkirk, Partick Thistle and Dundee – looks in pole position for an extended run, including Sunday’s Scottish Cup final against Hearts at Hampden.
Northern Ireland stopper Hazard has been solid between the sticksCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Celtic are going for a quadruple Treble and Lennon faces a huge selection call, not just with Hazard but also David Turnbull and Ismaila Soro.
The Downpatrick-born Hazard joined the Hoops youth academy from Cliftonville in 2014 and was promoted to the first team squad by Brendan Rodgers in 2017 when he also signed a four year contract.
Championship outfit Dundee had wanted to take him back to Dens Park on loan for this campaign but were knocked back by the Hoops amid stalemate over negotiations.
Hazard made his international debut in 2018 and is now a regular squad pick for Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough.
His ambition is to emulate David Marshall, the last academy goalkeeper to establish himself in the Celts top team.
Back in 2017, Hazard said: “It feels amazing and it’s a great honour for me. It’s a boyhood dream come true and it still has to sink in.
“It feels unreal and it’s special to have my family over to see me signing.
“They have obviously been with me from the beginning.
“My Mum and Dad drove me everywhere and there has always been that football competition between my brother and I in the back garden.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do without all the coaches I have worked with.
“I have had great help from Colin Meldrum and Stevie Woods who have really developed me over the past three years and hopefully there is more to come.”
Jeanette Findlay of the Celtic Trust addresses fans during Parkhead protest
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
