After seeing Joe Hart retire in the summer of 2024, Celtic had various options to consider in the goalkeeping department. They could have gone down a different route and favoured potential over pedigree, with a long-term operator stepping in between the sticks.
The old adage of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ does, however, ring as true today as it has ever done. England international Hart proved that experience is a quality that can be difficult to put a price on. With that in mind, the Hoops trod down a familiar path when bringing Kasper Schmeichel back to British football.
Reliable
Kasper Schmeichel at Celtic 👍#UCL pic.twitter.com/RYztPuCi9A
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) July 23, 2024
The Dane once helped Leicester to punch above their weight and upset the form book, with a stunning title triumph in 2015-16 teaching anybody perusing Premier League bet markets – individual match-related and outright – that anything is possible.
Schmeichel is looking to repeat that trick in Scottish and continental competition. The size of said challenge is highlighted by Champions League odds of 150/1 when it comes to chasing down a European crown, but a proven performer has bucked bigger. He has been there, done it and got the t-shirt when it comes to claiming silverware and providing the most reliable last line of defence.
Building from the back is always a good place to start when it comes to any form of trophy-chasing project. Find the right cornerstone at the heart of a defensive unit and the pieces of an elaborate puzzle should start to slot into place a little easier.
With that in mind, as continuity and stability remain vital to any given cause, Celtic’s decision to extend Schmeichel’s contract felt like a no-brainer. He is now tied to terms through to 2026, meaning that another No.1 does not need to be sought any time soon.
Brendan Rodgers has said of keeping Schmeichel around: “I know how much he loves being part of such a great club, and as one of our real leaders he will be a massive part of what we are hoping to achieve.”
Buying into the vision has kept a seasoned performer dedicated to his craft and in trophy-hunting mood. The man himself said after penning fresh terms: “We have already enjoyed success this season and everyone at the club is focused on delivering more.”
Success is demanded at Celtic, rather than merely longed for, so anybody arriving at ‘Paradise’ is aware of the need to deliver on lofty expectations. Schmeichel has gone above and beyond.
Would a less experienced option have slotted as seamlessly into the fold or needed time in which to adjust to the glare produced by the brightest of spotlights?
Trusted
Kasper Schmeichel’s Skill School 😮💨@CelticFC | @WilliamHill pic.twitter.com/Od1lIv4Hn2
— SPFL (@spfl) November 13, 2024
That was a gamble that the Hoops were not prepared to take. Having plumped for tried and trusted once again, the void created by Hart’s departure was filled almost as soon as it had opened up.
Schmeichel has no plans to hang up his gloves any time soon, and there may be another extension to come as he looks to prolong his playing career for as long possible. He has shown, in more ways than one, that he is a keeper and that Celtic have no need to tinker with what has become a productive recruitment plan.
