Celtic had a tough task this summer. They had to find a replacement for Joe Hart. The Manchester City legend had arrived at Parkhead amid a lot of doubts about his quality but went on to win seven trophies in three seasons with the club, including three-straight league titles. So, it was not going to be easy replacing a player of that level, especially his experience.
Most fans would have preferred to see the club bring in a long-term goalkeeper. Celtic decided to go the experience route once again though, signing someone even older than Hart in Kasper Schmeichel.
Once again, there were those who doubted the decision. And it seems like they have been proven wrong once again as well.
Schmeichel has been fantastic between the posts since arriving. In fact, in the eyes of some, he has been even better than Hart.
Celtic hero makes bold claim about Kasper Schmeichel
As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Aiden McGeady said while talking to Sky Sports Football:
"Losing Joe Hart, a lot of people were unsure of who was going to come in and be the number one.
“But, no disrespect to Joe Hart, he has possibly been a bit of an upgrade, in terms of how good he is with the ball at his feet and the way Celtic want to play.
“Loads of experience. Won the league at Leicester. The last couple of years of his career have been funny where he has played. Now, he looks like he has really, really settled. The last few weeks he has been called into action a lot more than he would have wanted to. But a fantastic goalkeeper. Made some vital saves, especially in the Hibs game and the cup final. He was the hero on the day in the penalty shootout. Hart was slightly different, more of a vocal leader, but Kasper Schmeichel has been fantastic."
There can certainly be no complaints about the decision to sign Schmeichel in the summer. He proved to be the hero in the Scottish League Cup final as well, saving the penalty from Ridvan Yilmaz to win the game on spot-kicks after it had finished 3-3.
That being said, it is quite clear that Schmeichel is not the long-term solution for Celtic either. Hopefully, the next time the club sign a goalkeeper, it is someone who can be the number one for the next decade to come.
That might not be next summer though. That is because there is believed to be an option to extend Schmeichel's deal by another year and the way things are going at the moment, one would expect that to be taken up in the very near future.