Brendan Rodgers says Kasper Schmeichel has a long-term goal that will be “brilliant” for Celtic

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New Celtic signing Kasper Schmeichel may be older than the recently retired Joe Hart but Brendan Rodgers has made it clear he still has a strong desire to extend his career by years.

Schmeichel has joined the Bhoys on an initial one-year contract with the option to add another 12 months onto that until the summer of 2026.

At the tail-end of his career, some may assume he is winding down. It’s not an unreasonable assessment. The Scottish Premiership isn’t the most testing league for a goalkeeper, especially in a team that dominates possession and gives up far fewer chances than the opposition.

However, Rodgers is insistent that Schmeichel is as motivated as ever. The Celtic boss reckons that the Danish international is still one of the most talented goalies around.

The manager has also shared that the 37 year old is already looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup in the USA as another career goal.

Brendan Rodgers on Kasper Schmeichel’s arrival

Rodgers said [Celtic TV]: “He’s still one of the best shot-stoppers in world football. I know he’s really excited to be here. I know by the conversation I had with him that he couldn’t get here quickly enough.

“He’s still a top keeper, and you see his presence and his stature in the goal. Also with Kasper, I know how competitive and hungry he is. That really impressed me when I worked with him at Leicester. His competitive edge.

“He’s clearly got his mind set on the World Cup in a couple of years’ time, so that’s great for him and it’s also brilliant for us. You see his stature and presence in the goal, and what he gives us with the ball as well to progress the game. I think as a whole package it’s an absolutely brilliant signing for us.”

New dressing room leader set to make competitive Celtic debut

Schmeichel is expected to be in the starting line-up for Sunday’s match at home to Kilmarnock. Despite it being his competitive debut, Rodgers says his presence is already being felt within the Celtic dressing room.

Rodgers continued: “When you take away that figure that Joe Hart was in the changing room, we’ve been able to replace that with something very similar. They’re different types but they both have old-school leadership.

“These boys are the last of this dying breed of proper leaders. To have that in the changing room, we can really see the influence already.”