Peter Grant applauds ‘terrific’ Kasper Schmeichel as main factor behind agile Celtic displays cited

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Kasper Schmeichel has been arguably Celtic’s best signing this campaign after arriving on a free transfer to replace Joe Hart between the sticks.

Brendan Rodgers has had his faith in the 38-year-old repaid, with the Denmark international conjuring 15 clean sheets in 24 appearances.

After leaving Anderlecht last season, Kasper Schmeichel turned down Premier League interest to join Celtic, and it is fair to say he is thriving under the spotlight.

With his contract up at the end of the season, Brendan Rodgers confirmed he can pull the trigger on Schmeichel’s future amid a one-year extension clause being included in his terms.

You suspect the Irishman will take up that offer, dependent on circumstances, and Peter Grant has highlighted why the veteran stopper has been such a shrewd addition by the Scottish top-flight holders.

Peter Grant on Kasper Schmeichel’s Celtic excellence

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Grant highlighted Schmeichel for his elite-level concentration and also expanded on why his age shouldn’t come into the equation as long as he continues to perform.

He explained: “He’s done terrific. As I said, big gloves to fill after Joe Hart left as I thought his personality more than anything else. Schmeichel, as I said, the Hibs game on Saturday I thought he was man of the match.  

“Celtic won 3-0, but I thought he had three outstanding saves in the game. Celtic and Rangers goalkeepers, the biggest thing they need to have is massive concentration because rarely do they get called upon for big period in the game

“To do that, positionally, I thought he was outstanding at the weekend, and he continued that last night. It’s so important, he’s 37, the same age as Joe Hart. I watched Fraser Forster the other night and I thought he had some outstanding saves as well.

“So it tells you about goalkeepers, you’ve seen Craig Gordon’s performances. That maturity is different for a goalkeeper if you can stay clear of injuries.”

Celtic have an outstanding dressing room leader core

Schmeichel has settled in admirably at Celtic, helping to replenish the leadership values Joe Hart had during a successful three-year spell north of the border.

Load the likes of Callum McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston into that melting pot, and you can see why the Bhoys have an established habit of winning trophies season after season.

With Rangers to come in the Premier Sports Cup final this weekend, Celtic need all their big hitters to step up and find the way to victory over their arch-rivals.