Kasper Schmeichel’s debut for Celtic in their 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock was a quiet one for the stopper.
The Danish goalkeeper joined Celtic on a free transfer this summer after a stint with Anderlecht, replacing the retired Joe Hart, who hung up his gloves at the end of last season.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor shared insights into Schmeichel’s impact both on and off the pitch. Speaking to the Daily Record, McGregor noted the immediate impression Schmeichel made during their preseason tour in America.
“We’ve had a couple of chats already. We spent a good bit of time over in America together and after just five minutes I knew he was on the level. He has had a hugely successful career but he still wants to achieve.
“He’s an experienced goalkeeper but after just a few minutes I could tell what he was about. He’s a proper character. You can tell that just by having a conversation with him but it’s also when you get on the pitch you see what people are like. When we played against Man City there was a moment when he berated Matt O’Riley.
“When you talk about demanding the most out of the players, that was an example of the type of thing I’m talking about. It’s about standards and behaviours. If you concede a shot you care about it. You take it personally and that’s what builds, a winning culture. But he’s probably made four or five really top saves already.
“So we know we have a top goalkeeper with the personality to go with it. Because if there is one thing you need at Celtic’s it’s personality to go and play. It can be a tough place to play football and you need that personality behind you and he has got that in spades.”
Schmeichel’s skill with the ball at his feet was on display against Kilmarnock, hinting that he might not only fill Joe Hart’s shoes but possibly exceed the former keeper’s contributions. His early performances in the preseason, which saw some top saves against Man City and Chelsea, have already made a strong impression on the fans.
He’s come into the club with a lot of experience at the top level, as Joe Hart did, and the younger players will be looking up to him.
