Peter Grant reveals his ‘interesting’ choice for Celtic’s Hampden man of the match

Celtic’s win over Aberdeen is still being talked about as the pundits and former players all laud both teams for what will go down as a classic.

For the Celtic fans, it’s probably the most nervous we have been for a long time in a Game where we really should have been more comfortable.

And as the dust settles on the game, Peter Grant turned his attention on who he thought were Celtic’s best performers.

Matt O’Riley was not Grant’s man of the match

Matt O’Riley was nominated as the man of the match by the Scottish Cup sponsors and it was a decision that surprised me.

Although O’Riley didn’t have his worst game in a Celtic jersey, apart from his goal, I don’t think he did much to warrant the award.

Grant’s view was the same and whilst he overlooked Celtic’s goal hero, James Forrest, the former Hoops hero was in no doubt on who he believed was the Game’s top performer.

Grant said [The Go Radio Football Show], “It’s interesting because I think I still look at Joe Hart because it was probably the poorest I’ve seen Carter-Vickers.

“He never had a lot to do but I just think at big moments, Joe had big saves in the Game and these are moments that get forgotten in a Game.

“And then the way he handled the penalty situation. To miss the penalty, and that’s why I say the difference between the likes of a Pickford and all these guys who are erratic, Joe just seemed to remain calm and say, ‘Right, I’ve got another job to do here. I’ve got to get myself focused and do my job here.’

“And he dived over one or two but at the end to a massive save, only top players do that. He is a top, top-quality player.

“And for me, apart from James Forrest and the effect that he had in the game,  I’d said say Joe Hart for what he had to do.”

Hart really did grab the headlines didn’t he? Missing a penalty, the retiring ‘keeper was close to becoming a villain after his 12-yard miss.

But the table turned and before he saved the match-winning spot kick, the Celtic fans were still lauding their hero.

There is no doubt that when Hart leaves he will be sorely missed by Celtic and the fans but at least when he does, he knows he has left us with memories that will not be forgotten any time soon.