Celtic keeper Conor Hazard joins Finnish champions on loan

Downpatrick born goalkeeper and Northern Ireland international Conor Hazard has been loaned to Finnish side HJK Helsinki on a one year deal.
 
The 23 year-old has found himself down the pecking order at Celtic Park this season, following the arrival of Joe Hart while Scott Bain and Vasilis Barkas are also higher up the rankings. 
 
Hazard made his Celtic debut in the 3-2 UEFA Europa League win over French outfit Lille in December 2020, and has now made seven appearances for the Celtic first team, keeping four clean sheets.
 
The keeper made his international debut for Northern Ireland against Costa Rica in a friendly fixture in 2018, in the tour of Central America that also saw the Green and White army play Uruguay under now Stoke boss Michael O'Neill.
 
He made his first start for Northern Ireland at the National Stadium at Windsor Park against the USA in March 2021, as the USA came away with a 2-1 win with goals from Giovanni Reyna and a Christian Pulisic penalty before Niall McGinn scored with a wonderful strike in the 88th minute.
 
Hazard was the hero at Hampden Park as Celtic completed a historic Quadruple Treble in the 2019/20 season as he saved from Stephen Kingsley and Craig Wighton,as the Hoops claimed the Scottish Cup 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw with Hearts. 
 
HJK Helsinki are seeking a third title win in a row, with first team football only going to work as an advantage for the 23 year-old who’s also had loan spells at Falkirk, Partick Thistle and Dundee.
 
Hazard has made just one appearance this season as a substitute in Northern Ireland's friendly win over Estonia in September.
 
Speaking about the loan deal Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou said: “We are sure this move will be good for Conor, it will be an important opportunity for game-time and I know he will embrace this next period. 
 
“In HJK Helsinki we believe it will be a great environment for him.
 
“I know HJK and Celtic have enjoyed good co-operation before and I think the loan period will be very positive for everyone concerned.
 
“We all wish Conor the very best.”
 
Hazard went on to say “I can’t wait to get started. When I first heard about the transfer, I learned that Helsinki is a beautiful place to live and that HJK Helsinki is Finland’s largest club. 
 
“This is a great opportunity for me to show off my skills.
 
“It’s an honour to be in such a great company, the club has tough goals for this year.”

 

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