Joe Hart explains being Celtic penalty taker and makes vow for Scottish Cup final despite miss

Joe Hart has explained why he backed himself to take a penalty for Celtic - and vowed to step up again despite his miss.

The Hoops keeper was ultimately the hero in the semi-final shoot-out win over Aberdeen, saving from Killian Phillips in sudden death to spark celebrations and secure a spot in the final. But prior to that he had missed one of the kicks after surprisingly being one of the players chosen in the five takers.

The experienced stopper insists he would always be confident in stepping forward and he had the backing of his teammates too after showing up well in practices. He was also just glad he got the chance to redeem himself with the save.

"I put myself forward," Hart told Premier Sports. "I've got the biggest mouth when it comes to penalties and they gave me the opportunity.

"There's a lot of trust and a lot of hard work gone into that. I took that penalty with confidence. I missed it, but what a game eh?

"We should have never been at penalties. We should have put that game to bed. James scored probably one of my favourite goals of the season and I was hoping that would win us the game. But we got it done, that was the most important thing."

Asked if he would take one again, he insisted: "I'd put my name forward again. I went through my process, just pulled it too much. But I believe in what I do, and for once being a goalkeeper pays off and I was able to redeem myself.

"100 per cent (would take one in the final). Whether I'm required or not, I'll always put myself forward. Moments like that you need clarity of mind and confidence in what they're doing. That's me."