Celtic have confirmed the loan move for the 19-year-old shot stopper, Conor Hazard to Falkirk for the remainder of the season. The Northern Ireland U21 international is set to link up with Celtics former manager, Paul Hartley at the Falkirk Stadium.
Hazard earned a promotion to the Celtic first-team under Brendan Rodgers and subsequently signed a new four-year deal last September. He featured for the side’s 2-0 win against Partick Thistle in December but is not necessarily the only young talent in the Celts squad.
Hazard has excelled in age-group football for Celtic since he joined from Northern Irish side Cliftonville in 2014. He is the third choice behind the likes of Craig Gordon and Dorus De Vries. The loan moves away from the Glasgow club will give him with the all-important opportunity to pick regular first-team action at a lower division side.
Falkirk are currently stacked at the 9th spot of the Scottish Championship and are eyeing a relegation survival. Their manager, Paul Hartley has been tasked with finding a replacement for Jimmy Nicholl who made his way out to the Rangers earlier this month. Hartley is pleased to have been able the 6 feet 6 inches shot-stopper who has shown glimpses of future stardom in his limited minutes for the Hoops.
Hartley was quoted, “We are really pleased to bring in another quality player in Conor. I have spoken with Brendan Rodgers at length over Conor and I know just how highly thought of he is at Celtic Park.This is a move that will hopefully benefit all parties as I know that both Conor and Celtic were keen that he went out on loan to gain some valuable first-team experience.”
Hazard will face competition from Robbie Thomson and Robbie Mutch, a challenge he will take face on. He was quoted, “It’s great to be here. This is my first time out on loan and my first time in senior football so I am really looking forward to showing everyone what I can do. I came here to try and get first-team experience, but it’s up to me now to work hard and show the manager that I deserve to play.”
Celtics will be pleased to find a place for their academy products to secure their dominance in the Scottish Premiership. They are poised to win their seventh consecutive league title and are already making moves for a stronger stake in the European competition next season.
