Kasper Schmeichel is still a world class goalkeeper says former Scotland winger Pat Nevin…
Pat Nevin reckons that Brendan Rodgers pulled off a remarkable signing in the summer by convincing Kasper Schmeichel to come to Celtic to replace his great friend Joe Hart as the Celtic first choice goalkeeper.
Long-term friends
That friendship goes all the way back to Schmeichel’s time early in his career at Manchester City when he was an understudy to City and England No.1 Joe Hart. Super Joe Hart, as the Celtic support called him, was given a fantastic send-off in his final few games for Celtic and the Celtic support managed to give the big Englishman one of his top lifetime memories with the remarkable display at Celtic Park.
Joe Hart was loved at Celtic and loved being at Celtic
Joe finished his time at Celtic lifting the Scottish Cup for the second time, he also won two League Cups and three Scottish Premiership titles in his three seasons playing for Celtic. Not bad for a goalkeeper who was told by Tottenham that he was finished.
Joe Hart would have spoken about all that to Kasper Schmeichel, who told the Celtic fan media, including Celtic Shorts that he watched that game when the Celtic fans gave their tribute to his big pal and was blown away by it.
The Brendan Rodgers connection
Then there’s the Brendan Rodgers connection from Leicester City and the not insignificant matter of getting back to playing in the Champions League. Did you see the huge grin on Kasper’s face as he experienced the Celtic Roar on Wednesday night when the Champions League music was playing.
Sometimes things are just meant to be and all that combined to give Celtic a replacement for Joe Hart who is every bit as good a goalkeeper and will also bring loads of leadership skills to help Callum McGregor, just as Joe Hart did. No wonder Pat Nevin describes the Kasper Schmeichel signing as a brilliant piece of business.
It was a genius work of Celtic
“I have to say it was a genius work of Celtic to get Kasper Schmeichel. They just lost a great goalkeeper. Joe Hart was a world class goalkeeper, but then they went on to get exactly the same thing,” Pat Nevin told Tipsbladet.
“Kasper Schmeichel is near the end of his career as well but he is still a world class goalkeeper. He won’t have that much work to do in the league, but of course he will have more work to do in the Champions League,” Nevin said.
“I think it was a brilliant piece of business. There is no doubt that he is still a fabulous goalkeeper, and goalkeepers can play for much longer than outfield players. I think it is the best piece of business Celtic has done this season,” Pat Nevin said.
After the highs of the Champions League victory over Slovan Bratislava, Kasper Schmeichel is in for another very special day on Sunday when Celtic take on Falkirk in the League Cup at Celtic Park.
He actually played for Falkirk against Celtic back in March 2008 and saved a penalty in a shock 1-0 win for the Bairns and will be delighted to get a chance to play against his old club.
Just like Joe Hart it very much looks like Kasper is having his own fairytale finale to his playing career at Celtic.
@spflofficial A gem from the SPFL vault 💎 ⏪ Kasper Schmeichel’s penalty save helping @falkirk.fc ♬ original sound – SPFL
