Kasper Schmeichel has won his first trophy as a Celtic player and what a part he played in the League Cup final win over Rangers.
In the summer, Joe Hart retired and Brendan Rodgers had a big call to make to replace the Englishman in between the sticks.
Many thought that Celtic would go down the younger road – and they did – by bringing in 23-year-old Viljami Sinisalo from Aston Villa.
But Schmeichel was the one to replace Hart and he was the hero as Celtic beat Rangers in a penalty shootout on Sunday at Hampden.
From winning the Premier League title to also beating Chelsea in an FA Cup final under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City.
Schmeichel has been through it all in his career and he was ecstatic after tasting his first piece of silverware in the green and white colours.
Kasper Schmeichel on speaking to Joe Hart
Moments after Daizen Maeda’s winning penalty, Schmeichel was interviewed on the pitch by Premier Sports to share his instant thoughts.
The topic of Hart, who is still seen pitchside for a lot of Celtic games post-retirement, was brought up.
He was asked by presenter Connie McLaughlin “I know that you speak to Joe Hart a lot. What did he tell you and what was it like for you to experience it?”
“It was a great moment,” responded Schmeichel. “With Joe being here, what for three years he was here, I watched these occasions quite a lot on TV.
“I was well aware, having played here earlier in my career, what a club like this can produce. I am very thankful. I am very grateful to be given this opportunity to come here and help contribute to this team.”
Schmeichel on the size of Celtic after League Cup final win over Rangers
Kasper’s dad Peter won the Treble with Manchester United and had an illustrious career that has seen him regarded as one of the greatest keepers of all time.
That isn’t easy to follow, but Celtic’s number one has done it brilliantly and he also would have seen it all, both growing up following his dad and as a player himself.
But Kasper lauded the sheer size of Celtic, how they are ‘very big’ across the world and what he realises when he is on national duty with Denmark.
“In terms of team, it’s very similar to what I experienced under Brendan at Leicester,” added Schmeichel.
“In terms of club, the size of the club, I saw it particularly the first pre-season trip away to America, seeing how many fans had travelled. It’s one of those things, you live up here and you know notice it all the time.
“Even going abroad, particularly when you go with your national teams, everyone kind of knows Celtic. It’s a very big and worldwide followed club, so I am really proud to be here.”
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