Rab Douglas insists he can't understand why Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart gets so much criticism.

The former Celtic shot-stopper believes Hart is still good to go for a couple of years between the sticks.

Not only that he reckons that Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers should also make Hart part of the succession planning process.

Douglas who is a fully paid-up member of the Hart fan club said that the former Manchester City and England No.1 has been the consummate professional for Celtic since rocking up in Glasgow two-and-a-half years ago.

Douglas said: “I think that’s just the nature of being a goalkeeper. I think he’s been a fantastic servant for Celtic. His desire is still there and he makes big saves in big games. Don’t get me wrong, the team has probably struggled a wee bit in the European games and been found out a wee bit.

"I’m a great fan of Joe. During Celtic’s last win at Ibrox when they won 1-0, he made a save and the team kicked on to win the game. It’s the easiest position to apportion blame, but I really like him. His demeanour is good, so is his attitude and he’s had unfair criticism.

“I think Brendan Rodgers has a squad and a team in progress at the moment and you lose goals, a goalkeeper gets put under the spotlight. Joe has seen it and done it all. International, European and club level. So it won’t bother him.

READ MORE: Celtic hero Martin O'Neill defends Joe Hart from criticism

“I’ve spoken to a few people at Celtic and, from what I hear, he is one of the top pros and one of the nicest and that is what you want. Joe could probably help Brendan Rodgers bring the next Celtic goalkeeper in that is going to be a mainstay.

“Who would Celtic bring in? I’d like to think if Joe has another year or two, he’ll maybe help Brendan Rodgers and Stevie Woods look at the next goalie.

Does he have another one or two years left in him? Oh yes. Absolutely. Easily. It’s not as if he carries weight, you see he is still sharp in the goal and makes big saves at big times. He has a year or two left at Celtic, if he wants to. Scott Bain is there, and Ben Siegrist is as well, so it will be interesting to see what Brendan Rodgers does on that front.

“He will probably say to Brendan Rodgers when he thinks the time is up, but he is still operating at a high level and I’d love him to go and win some more trophies and prove people wrong.”

Celtic Way:

During the January transfer window, Celtic have been linked with signing Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher as well as Elfsborg's highly-rated Icelandic No.1 Hakon Valdimarsson as replacements for Hart when he finally does decide to call it a day.

However, Douglas is adamant that Hart has left an indelible mark on the Scottish game both on and off the pitch.

The 51-year-old has admired how Hart came north of the border to play football when he could have opted for an easy payday and sat on the bench to see out the rest of his career.

Douglas is well aware that Hart has had a massive effect on the green and white dressing room and led by example.

Douglas said: "I think Joe respects the game. I think he’s been very humble and holds his hands up when he makes mistakes.

“I just feel he’s a great professional. There are times when others make mistakes and they don’t hold their hands up. As I’ve said, goalkeeper is one of the hardest positions, but he’s a credit to himself the way he has held himself in the past couple of years. You can tell it’s not about the money. I doff my cap to the fact he was willing to come up to Scotland and play regularly.

READ MORE: Celtic need to replace Joe Hart in goals: here's why

“He has been a big figure over the last couple of years. I think maybe people are underestimating how much of an input he has had at Celtic. I don’t see him as arrogant. I see him as confident and everything I have heard about him from Celtic is that he’s amazing as a person and in training and the important thing is that he wants to play.

“You see guys sit about for years now taking the money when they aren’t playing. It didn’t appeal to me and I doff my cap to Joe because it doesn’t appeal to him. I don’t see the amount of criticism that Joe gets

“Celtic are probably a work-in-progress team and Joe is the most experienced there. He’s probably having to take control of, when Carter-Vickers is out, you only have [Callum] McGregor there who is a seasoned professional. Joe is a model professional by all accounts. I think folk are looking to put him down for things. He can go long periods without making any mistakes.

“The game has changed a lot over the years and Joe would be the first to admit, but he’s improved a lot with the ball at his feet and he wants to play. Everyone knows Joe has delivered at the highest level but he still wants to play and that is the key for me

“Without a doubt. He doesn’t get many injuries. You work hard, you train hard, you play hard. He’s getting the rewards of playing every week. Realistically, he’ll have enough money in the bank but he wants to win trophies and win games and good luck to him.”

Celtic Way:

Celtic face Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup this Sunday at Parkhead in the original David v Goliath clash.

Douglas was fortunate enough to win the trophy three times with Martin O'Neill's Celtic back in 2000/01, 2001/02 and 2003/04.

One thing is for certain, Hart is sure to stop and talk with his opposite number Stuart Knight at some point come the weekend.

Douglas said: "That’s the mark of the man. I don’t know him personally, but he’s donated stuff to the charities that I am involved in, so he’s even higher in my regard. It will be interesting to see who Celtic will play in goal against Buckie Thistle this weekend. It might even be one where Joe gets a rest.”

Rab Douglas was speaking at a Scottish Gas media event. Scottish Gas is the proud partner of the Scottish Cup.​