Adam Idah sang the praises of world-class Celtic shotstopper Kasper Schmeichel after the Dane’s Man of the Match performance against Hibs…

Celtic v Hibernian – Scottish Premiership – Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel celebrates following the match at Celtic Park on Saturday December 7, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan

Despite a 3-0 scoreline versus the Hibees looking comprehensive, it was far from an emphatic display from Brendan Rodgers’ side. Indeed, Celtic had to rely on their 38 year-old experienced goalkeeper to pull off important saves to keep Rodgers’ men ahead in the game.

Kasper Schmeichel named Man of the Match

Kasper Schmeichel faced nine shots on target courtesy of David Gray’s relegation-threatened side’s refreshing attacking approach at Celtic Park. It was the Danish international’s busiest day as a Hoops goalkeeper domestically since arriving at the club in the summer.

Schmeichel was named Dafabet’s Man of the Match inside the ground on Saturday evening, and this was acknowledged post-match by teammate Adam Idah.

Despite not scoring in the game, Idah was influential in Celtic’s second courtesy of an unfortunate OG from Hibs skipper Joe Newell. It was the 23 year-old who flicked the ball on from an inviting corner via Luke McCowan.

Starting the Hoops’ last Champions League away outing in Bergamo against Serie A table-toppers Atalanta, the Republic of Ireland frontman could have a huge say in proceedings tomorrow night in Croatia’s capital when facing Dinamo Zagreb.

“He’s been brilliant”

Speaking to Celtic TV post-match, Idah was asked whether Schmeichel is the best goalkeeper he has played with in his career. He responded, “I think so. He’s up there.”

Adam Idah of Celtic celebrates with team mates after Hibernian captain Joe Newell turned Idah s header into his own goal to give Celtic a 2-0 lead. Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, 7 December 2024 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

“I’ve played with some great goalkeepers, but seeing what he does, day in, day out and in games, he’s been brilliant.”

Idah added, “and I think everyone’s seen it today. The saves he pulls off are amazing. It does give us that confidence, then to go and try and help him out and make him keep a clean sheet.”

12 clean sheets in 15 Scottish Premiership matches

Schmeichel has now kept 12 clean sheets in 15 Scottish Premiership matches this season.

Meanwhile, Celtic extended their gap at the top of the table to nine points following Aberdeen’s 1-1 draw with St Johnstone at Pittodrie. Are they still denying that their bubble’s burst?

Conor Spence