Cup Final hero Kasper Schmeichel reflects on his whirlwind Celtic start | OneFootball

Celtic’s penalty shootout hero Kasper Schmeichel reflected on a whirlwind few months with the Hoops after a dramatic League Cup win against theRangers at Hampden yesterday…

Celts celebrate after winning the Premier Sports Cup Final between Celtic and theRangers at Hampden Park on December 15, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Great Dane saved Ridvan Yilmaz’ crucial spot-kick which gave Daizen Maeda the opportunity to secure the Scottish League Cup and an historic 119th trophy in the club’s history.

Schmeichel pulled off some tremendous saves during regulation time including a world-class stop from Mohammed Diomande prior to theRangers midfielder’s equaliser.

Domestically, the 38 year-old shotstopper has been an integral factor in Celtic’s sensational defensive record this season, thus it was rare to see the Hoops concede three in 90 minutes.

Speaking to Premier Sports post-match, Celtic’s no.1 explained these types of victories were the reasons why he signed for the Scottish champions in the summer.

“It was a great moment to win it,” he said. “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.”

Having picked up the FA Cup trophy with Leicester City in 2021 under Brendan Rodgers, and now the Scottish League Cup three years later, Schmeichel is now one of only a few players to triumph in major national cup finals North and South of the border.

Kasper Schmeichel celebrates after winning the Premier Sports Cup Final between Celtic and theRangers at Hampden Park on December 15, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Comparing it to the silverware he won with the Foxes, Schmeichel outlined: “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.”

For theRangers final penalty kick, Kasper went head-to-head with Jack Butland – with whom the two have come across each other on multiple occasions in the English Premier League, but Schmeichel was full of admiration for Butland’s composure.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates with teammates after scoring the sides winning penalty in the penalty shoot out during the Premier Sports Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park on December 15, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“I know Jack,” Schmeichel continued, “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.”

Conor Spence

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