CELTIC legend Kenny Dalglish reckons Brendan Rodgers has pulled off a transfer masterstroke by bringing Kasper Schmeichel to the champions.
The former Hoops goal hero has applauded the actions of the manager as his old club prepare to unveil the 37-year-old 105 times-capped Danish international keeper as the successor for the retiring Joe Hart.
Ironically, Schmeichel is five months older than the experienced Englishman who reprensented his country on 75 occasions and won seven trophies – including three titles – in his three years at Parkhead.
I’M IN CHARGE…Kasper Schmeichel is heading for Celtic.
The veteran No.1 is ready to reunited with his ex-Leicester City gaffer in Glasgow after leaving Belgian outfit Anderlecht at the end of his 12-month contract.
“I think it’s an excellent piece of business. Brendan Rodgers knows him well from their time at Leicester City together and Kasper strikes me as the type of professional who will fill the void left on and off the park by Joe Hart.
HAIL, HAIL AND FAREWELL…Joe Hart celebrates the Scottish Cup Final triumph at Hampden on May 25 – his last appearance for Celtic.
“Sure, Kasper is actually five months older than Joe,but that doesn’t concern me.
“He is still just 37, has been Denmark’s No. 1 at the Euros and has excellent stats from his spell at Anderlecht last season.”
Dalglish, speaking in the Sunday Post, added: “We all know that Joe looked as though he had a couple of years left in him.
“Also, Craig Gordon is still playing into his 40s. Allan McGregor was great for Rangers at 40, too.
“So, all things considered, and the fact there is no transfer fee involved, makes this transfer a no-brainer.
“It means funds set aside for this window can be used elsewhere in the team.
“This was a huge position for Celtic to sort out and it looks as though they have done it well.”
ON STAND-BY…Scott Bain started both pre-season friendlies against Ayr United and Queen’s Park.
Rodgers will be looking to add another netminder with Swiss back-up shotstopper Benji Siegrist is looking to quit the champions after failing to figure last season.
That will leave Rodgers with just Scott Bain as stand-by for Schmeichel and he will be looking to address that situation before the Premiership gets underway with a game against Kilmarnock on Flag Day in the east end of Glasgow on Sunday August 4.
Before that, the Hoops will face DC United in Washington in the early hours of the morning a week today, Manchester City the following Wednesday and Chelsea three days later.
