KASPER Schmeichel’s importance to Celtic in the Champions League this season has been glaringly obvious to everyone who has seen them play.
The vastly-experienced Danish internationalist has been outstanding for the Scottish champions in every one of their league phase games, even the mauling they suffered at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in Germany at the start of last month, and has produced numerous vital saves at key moments.
Yet, the influence of the 111-times capped goalkeeper on the Parkhead club’s play going forward has perhaps not been so apparent to onlookers during their meetings with Slovan Bratislava, Borussia, Atalanta and RB Leipzig.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, though, believes the former Manchester City, Leeds United and Leicester City man’s ability with the ball at his feet has been hugely significant for Celtic’s outfield players in their outings in Europe’s elite club competition during the past nine weeks as well.
The centre-half, who is set to start alongside Auston Trusty in the heart of the hosts’ back line in their meeting with Club Brugge in the East End of Glasgow tonight, fully expects attack to start in defence once again tomorrow evening.
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Asked how he found playing in front of Schmeichel compared to his predecessor Joe Hart, he said: “They are different, two different people and two different characters off the pitch.
“But on the pitch they are pretty similar, keepers who have played at top level throughout their careers and have a lot of experience. They are both very vocal on the pitch and commanding. So similar in that respect.”
“I think Kasper has shown already this season he can make big saves when he needs to. He’s done that a number of times this season so far. There’s definitely that confidence that even if a team does get a chance there’s every chance of him stopping them.
“But his distribution has been really good as well. It was probably one of the first things you noticed when he came in - how good he was with his feet. You see it game in game out.
“Not just the ability to play the passes, but also to see them. That’s something he does really well, to see where the press is coming from and know where the outball is and how to get it there.
“That is so important, especially at this level. The more time you can have with the ball, it limits the time they get on it and the chances they can create. That’s so important in the Champions League.”
“The way Kasper does that is super-impressive. He might have two or three players running at him, but he gets the right angle and sees the right pass to play. He manages to do that most of the time.”
Schmeichel spent last season playing in Belgium with Anderlecht and the Celtic vice-captain revealed that his team mate and midfielder Arne Engels had been giving all of the players tips about Brugge this week. They will not be underestimating opponents who have beaten Sturm Graz away and Aston Villa at home in Europe this term.
“He mainly said that they are a really good team, with some good players and a really good press,” said the defender. “Kasper also said that they’re a hard working team.
“In his experience of playing against them last year, he said they always found a way to win a game or stay in games. So we’re definitely prepared for tomorrow for a tough game. No matter how the game goes we’ll need to play well for 90 minutes to get a result.
“Me and the team don’t look at it as us being favourites or not favourites. We know every game in this competition you’ve got to be right at it to get a result. So, tomorrow will be no different and we’re prepared for a tough game.”
Rodgers has preferred Trusty to Liam Scales in recent weeks and Carter-Vickers has confidence that he and his fellow United States squad member will be able to contain rivals who thrashed STVV 7-0 in a league game at the Jan Breydel Stadium at the weekend.
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“The partnership is developing well,” he said. “I’ve always said defensive partnerships always take time. It’s the only way to learn how each of you moves on the pitch in certain situations. So far Auston has been so good. He’s definitely playing well and you can see the strength he has.
“We haven’t played together for America, not for the first team. Maybe once or twice at U20 level but not for the senior team. Hopefully the USA coach is looking at us playing in the Champions League for Celtic and thinks we can do the same at international level.
Carter-Vickers hasn’t given much thought to how many points it will take for Celtic to book a place in the knockout phase play-offs either. He is simply focusing on the Club Brugge encounter. However, he did predict the strength and depth which is now in the squad will help their hopes of progressing.
“We’ve got options in every position in the team at the moment,” he said. “Scalesy has been great this season and it’s unfortunate from his perspective. But that’s the competition we have in the squad now. It’s up to us all individually to perform and that will make the team better.
“The competition is key for us going forward. When we make subs now, the players coming off the bench are always at the level straight away. That’s important in the Champions League.
“In general, the level of training rises the more competition you’ve got in the squad. That keeps everyone at a consistently high level, which translates into the games.”
