LIAM SCALES reckons Celtic have signed Joe Hart Mark 11 in Kasper Schmeichel.
The 37-year-old Danish international keeper has penned a 12-month deal with a one-year option to take over from the 75 times-capped former England No.1 who retired at the end of the season.
Hart, at 37, is the same age as his successor, but decided to call it a day after three years at Parkhead in which he won seven honours – including three Premiership titles – after arriving on a bargain £1million deal from Spurs in August 2021.
NO WAY THROUGH…Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel denies Scotland striker Che Adams at Hampden in November 2021.
Schmeichel, who quit Belgian club Anderlecht after his one-year contract expired, is seen as the ideal replacement for the popular Englishman.
The champions’ squad are preparing to welcome the latest recruit when he catches up with his new team-mates during their three-game tour of America and defender Liam Scales said: “If you could go and get a like for like, he’s the one.
“You’re losing out on an internationalist and a Premier League winner, but then you’re getting another one in, so we’re really looking forward to greeting him and playing alongside him.”
Scotland international left-back Greg Taylor joined in the plaudits as he remarked: “It’s a massive signing for us. Joe Hart was a great servant to the club and a great guy to have around the place, so, hopefully, that’s what we’ve got again.
MAKING A POINT…Joe Hart has the final say after his last game as a Celtic player as he and his triumphant team-mates celebrate the Scottish Cup success over Rangers on May 25.
“Playing in the Euros for Denmark, you saw that Kasper’s a real leader and we’re delighted have him.”
Evergreen winger James Forrest, speaking to the club website, chipped in: “I’ve never met him, but the gaffer had him at Leicester before and obviously Joe has spoken about him a few times and spoken very highly of him.
“Everyone is looking forward to meeting him and playing alongside him.”
Right-back Anthony Ralston, who played in three of Scotland’s Euro 24 games, added: “He’ll be a great addition to the team.
“Obviously, everybody loved Joe and he did amazing things for the club, so to have Kasper in now he’ll be a great addition to the squad and we wish him all the best.”
AT THE READY…Finnish international No.1 Viljami Sinisalo during his country’s 2-2 draw with Scotland at Hampden last month.
Schmeichel is the second netminder welcomed by the Hoops in quickfire fashion after the £1million five-year move for Finnish international Viljami Sinisalo from Aston Villa had been confirmed, as CQN reported during the week.
Both new Bhoys will get their first taste of action for the champions in The States with Rodgers’ men due to face DC United in Washington in the early hours of Sunday, Manchester City on Wednesday and Chelsea a week tomorrow before flying home.
Celtic will get the ball rolling in their pursuit of a fourth successive title, their thirteenth in 14 years and 55th in their history when they face Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Sunday August 4.
