Kasper Schmeichel has reacted after putting in an excellent display during Celtic’s triumph over Hibernian this afternoon.
Despite Arne Engels, an own goal from Joe Newell and a Kyogo Furuhashi moment of brilliance settling the scoreline, the Denmark international played a pivotal role in securing three points.
Making no fewer than nine saves, Kasper Schmeichel bailed the Celtic backline out on several occasions to guarantee another victory, which has sent his side nine points clear of Aberdeen after they slipped up at home to St Johnstone.
With the Scottish Premiership table looking rosy, Brendan Rodgers was coy on Schmeichel’s future at the Bhoys post-match, claiming that he wouldn’t be telling reporters about plans to activate the 38-year-old’s contract extension option before he had told the man in question.
Either way, the former Leicester City goalkeeper has spoken out after a brilliant display at home to Hibernian.
Kasper Schmeichel on his role at Celtic
Speaking to Celtic TV, Schmeichel insisted that he is never a spectator between the sticks for Celtic and is always alert to help his side in build-up or via his clean handling.
He explained: “I have definitely not been a spectator. Goalkeeping has evolved and you rarely have games when you have a lot of saves. Everything is usually with your feet these days.
I think that’s the role I play here but my job essentially is to keep the ball out of the net and today was a good day.
Later, he added: “It is all about winning. Clean sheets are nice but they are not the most important thing. It is not the end of the world if it doesn’t happen. It always gives you a platform to go and win. My job is to keep my team in the game and it is up to the outfield players to finish the game off.”
Celtic now looking forward to Dinamo Zagreb test
Now that Hibernian has been ticked off, the matches don’t dwindle in significance for Celtic as they travel to face Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.
Victory in Croatia will guarantee progression to the playoff round, which would represent one of Rodgers’ key targets being met before the turn of the year.
Hopefully, everyone can pull through off the back of another domestic triumph as the Hoops look to seal the deal on the continent.
