‘At any time’: Brendan Rodgers responds when asked about ‘top’ Celtic player’s future | OneFootball

Celtic enhanced their chances of winning the Scottish Premiership title this season with a comfortable victory over Hibernian today.

Brendan Rodgers’ side got the better of Hibernian 3-0 at Parkhead.

Arne Engel opened the scoring for Celtic after just six minutes with a tap-in. Joe Newell’s own goal in the 54th minute made it 2-0 for the Hoops.

Kyogo Furuhashi scored a late goal to secure the victory for Celtic, who are now nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

While Celtic, who could lose Daniel Cummings to Wolverhampton Wanderers, deservedly picked up all three points from the match, Hibernian had chances to score.

However, Hibs were denied by an in-form Kasper Schmeichel in goal. The Danish goalkeeper denied Mykola Kuharevich twice in one-on-one situations.

Schmeichel also kept out efforts from Elie Youan, Nicky Cadden and Lewis Miller, and Rodgers was impressed.

However, the Celtic manager is coy about the prospect of triggering the option of another year in Schmeichel’s contract.

Schmeichel joined Celtic on a one-year contract in 2024 to replace Joe Hart, who retired.

Brendan Rodgers praises Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel

Rodgers told BBC Scotland: “The win was very good on the back of the midweek game against Aberdeen. Some of our attacking play was excellent.

“Our downside for today was our pressing – it was nowhere near what I would want and expect it to be – and that gave them chances.

Thankfully, I have a top international goalkeeper who, when we needed him, made saves.

“I can trigger [the option for another year in Schmeichel’s contract] at any time – I wouldn’t tell you. I would tell him first.”

Celtic should keep Kasper Schmeichel

Schmeichel has been one of Celtic’s best players this season. The 38-year-old is not showing any signs of slowing down.

The former Leeds United and Leicester City goalkeeper always rises to the occasion and can be relied upon in tough moments.

While Celtic have to look to the future and should be on the hunt for a younger goalkeeper, it would be wise to keep Schmeichel for at least another season.

Martin Dubravka has been linked with a move to Celtic next summer. If the Newcastle United goalkeeper joins the Bhoys, he could compete with Schmeichel for a place in the starting line-up.