Emotions ran high last weekend as Celtic claimed the Premier Sports Cup with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Rangers at Hampden.
The Bhoys were sent on a rollercoaster of emotions. They were initially pegged back before taking the lead twice, the scores being levelled, then eventually prevailing from spot-kicks to overtake their rivals’ all-time trophy count.
As usual, the post-match dissection of events that occurred in Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup triumph against Rangers has grabbed the headlines. Vaclav Cerny’s penalty claim has prompted a Kris Boyd meltdown while there have been plenty of other incidence to stew over on a day of destiny for the men in Hoops.
Kasper Schmeichel was the hero for Celtic in the end. After his penalty save, the scene for Daizen Maeda to send the green and white sections of Hampden into a frenzy.
Brendan Rodgers entered the history books due to reaching double figures in major honours won at the Bhoys, but as far as supporters are concerned, everyone in that dressing room had their part to play in a historic triumph.
In spite of that, Peter Grant believes there is a Celtic star in the ranks who hasn’t got the adulation he deserved for his exploits at the national stadium.
Peter Grant on ‘unbelievable’ Kasper Schmeichel vs Rangers
Speaking on the Scottish Football Social Club, Grant believes Schmeichel’s ‘unbelievable’ save to deny Mohamed Diomande a leveller in the second half, alongside his all-round contribution, deserves more recognition after Celtic’s cup final triumph against Rangers.
He stated: “He had a big guy to replace. Personality, dressing room, everything on the pitch, helping Callum through the captaincy. I definitely thought Joe Hart had a massive influence on the team. You see how difficult it was to replace a goalkeeper the last time, it was so, so difficult and they really struggled. Then they got Joe Hart in
“Kasper Schmeichel has come in and made big saves in big moments. Last week against Hibs in the league match they could’ve been two or three down, he’s had three big saves. In games we’ve won 5-0, he’s had a save early in the game.
“I always believe that Celtic and Rangers goalkeepers always done that. The biggest thing they needed to have is concentration and it proves that he has that in abundance. Same again yesterday, Celtic weren’t at their best, but I don’t think he got the credit for the save he had from Diomande as well, that was an unbelievable save.
“Celtic never really got out after that if you remember because it went for a corner and it went out the opposite side for another corner. Celtic were caught twice and that’s when the ball got put back in again for the goal, so they never really recovered from it. But he’s been outstanding and thoroughly deserves the accolades he’s getting; it’s a big personality and such an important place (in the team).”
Kasper Schmeichel has shown his worth consistently for Celtic
In a six-goal thriller, it is fair to say last weekend’s encounter wasn’t one for the goalkeepers, but the ability to come up with clutch moments is what sets you apart at a club like Celtic.
Making a decisive contribution, Schmeichel guessed right to save a spot-kick in the shootout that inspired his side’s victory, which is something his counterpart Jack Butland couldn’t achieve.
Since joining Celtic, the veteran Denmark international has kept 15 clean sheets in 25 appearances, living up to his reputation from a statistical perspective.
Crucially, he has added a winners’ medal to his cabinet. That is what being at this club is about and why he opted to move north of the border.
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