Kasper Schmeichel Celtic praise 'much deserved' as Denmark stand in boss revels in acclaim of Hoops No1

Kasper Schmeichel has been earning 'much deserved praise' for his start to life at Celtic.

That's the verdict of temporary Denmark boss Lars Knudsen who has hailed the veteran as a top class goalkeeper and someone who can really bring something to the national team still with his experience and passion. The 37-year-old arrived in the summer to reunite with Brendan Rodgers after a spell together at Leicester City. The stopper was picked to replace Joe Hart after he called time on his career in the summer and has made a storming start with four clean sheets from four league games including Sunday's derby with Rangers.

Speaking to Avisen, he said: "Kasper is a class goalkeeper. If you look at what he's doing at the moment and the much-deserved praise he's getting in Scotland [Celtic], you can see how good he is. Last season he was in the team of the year in Belgium [Anderlecht] and came second in the vote to be the league's best player. He is doing fantastic for us, and with the experience and passion he has for the team, he can really bring something to us."

Schmeichel himself has never taken his spot in the Denmark team for granted and insists it is a role he always makes sure he earns on merit. He believes that is the case with his performances in Glasgow and says it is a 'privilege' every time he pulls on the jersey as he looks set to land his 106th cap.

He said: "It's a place you should never expect to get, it's a place you have to earn. Being a Danish national team goalkeeper is not just standing in goal, many factors come into play. And it is a place that is never yours, there is always competition and others who can take the place.

"So my attitude has been that I must never take the place for granted. It's a