Since yesterday, the mood around Kasper Schmeichel must be incredible.
I knew he was a solid signing, a more than adequate replacement for Joe Hart.
He had the career, the stats, and the experience. He was a leader with goalkeeping excellence in his blood—and we got him for free.
It was obvious from the start that we’d made a no-brainer signing.
All you could hope for was that he was still fit, still aggressive, and still driven to win. And behold, he’s all of that and more.
For the past couple of seasons, Ibrox fans have clung to a few straws when comparing their squad with ours, often pointing to one player they could argue matched his Celtic counterpart. For a long time, that player was James Tavernier, though I’ve always thought it was absurd to suggest he was better than Frimpong or Juranovic.
But they’d make the argument, and they’d make it loudly.
More recently, they’ve been talking up Jack Butland as the superior keeper to whomever we had between the sticks.
But right now, it’s incredibly gratifying to see that particular narrative unraveling, along with much else over there.
There’s no longer any doubt who the best goalkeeper in Scotland is, and the media—and Celtic fans—are seeing it clearly.
Certain games define a player’s legacy at a club. There are matches where that player’s qualities become so undeniable that they’re all people talk about. Every player has their moment. Some get it quickly; for others, it comes as a surprise, like a revelation when you finally realise just how good they are.
For many of us, yesterday was Kasper Schmeichel’s day. It was the moment we truly saw just how good he is, how crucial he’ll be for the rest of this campaign, and just how much confidence he inspires. When the chips are down, this guy will deliver. He’ll be on that line, doing his bit.
That’s why, in the aftermath of the game, I wrote about the team ethic and how every part of this squad is now essential to the functioning of the whole machine.
Goalkeepers don’t always get the glory like the front men do, but they deserve the same recognition.
Celtic fans have always made heroes out of our keepers, and Schmeichel is poised to be up there with the best of them.
Yep – And hopefully another season – maybe even two outta him as well !