Joe Hart has insisted that Kasper Schmeichel can maintain a significant influence at Celtic whether he is selected on the field or not. The former England goalkeeper told BBC Radio Scotland that the 39-year-old remains a massive part of the squad despite recent challenges to his starting position.
Schmeichel missed recent fixtures against Rangers and Aberdeen due to illness, according to The Herald. His deputy, Viljami Sinisalo, kept a clean sheet in a Europa League tie against Stuttgart and featured in a 2-2 draw with Rangers. Schmeichel returned to training on Friday ahead of a Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.
Celtic currently occupies third place in the Scottish Premiership table, per Sky Sports. The club sits eight points behind leaders Hearts as of 4 March 2026. Schmeichel, who joined the Glasgow club in 2024, signed a contract extension in January 2025 that keeps him at Parkhead until the summer of 2026, according to STV News.
