Kasper Schmeichel was thrilled to pen his own Celtic story after being swept up by Joe Hart’s Hoops romance.
The No. 1 became a Hampden hero with a crucial penalty save in an epic Premier Sports Cup Final shootout. And it was the kind of moment that Schmeichel admitted he signed up for. The great Dane is close pals with former Celtic keeper Hart after the pair came through the ranks at Man City. Schmeichel fancied a slice of the fun for himself and the Old Firm cup win was exactly what he had in mind. He said: “It was a great moment to win it.
“With Joe Hart being here for three years I watched these occasions quite a lot on TV. Having played up here earlier in my career I was well aware of what a club like this can produce. I’m very thankful and grateful to be given the opportunity to come here and contribute to this team.”
Schmeichel joined a select band of stars to claim trophies on both sides of the border having lifted the FA Cup with Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City. The celebrations were similar – but the scale of the clubs is another level.
Schmeichel said: “In terms of this team, it’s very similar to what I experienced under Brendan at Leicester City. The size of the club. I saw that on the pre-season first trip to America. You notice the size of the club all the time but even abroad, you see it. I am very proud to be part of it.”
Schmeichel was thrilled to claim his first Hoops medal – but he did have some sympathy for opposite number Jack Butland. The Gers no.1 caused a stir by hitting the fifth spot kick for the Ibrox men – but managed to find the net.
Schmeichel said: “I know Jack. He is a very confident guy, he’s got incredible technique. His penalty was brilliant. If you can take penalties like that under pressure, fair play to him.”
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