The former Celtic No1, then, was thrilled to hear his former team-mate had signed a contract extension to remain at Parkhead for another season.
Schmeichel’s contract extension was confirmed by the club on Wednesday morning ahead of the Champions League tie against Young Boys.
Hart drew comparisons between his own experience of joining Celtic after being “slightly in the wilderness” as he hailed Schmeichel for making his mark in Glasgow.
“It is fully deserved,” Hart said on TNT Sports. “I am absolutely delighted for him, delighted for the club, great move.
“I am so happy for him. He has been excellent first and foremost this season, he is an excellent goalkeeper, that goes without saying.
“It is obviously not about me but I know that feeling when you’re so loved and solid at Leicester and then slightly in the wilderness, not being able to really assert himself on a football club.
“This football club opens its arms to you like it has to Kasper and he has performed how he is. It is perfect, it really is.”
Schmeichel, 38, harbours ambitions of playing in the World Cup in 2026 and Hart is confident that is an achievable goal as he heaped praise on the “excellent professional”.
He added: “I can see in his face, I go way back with Kasper. When he first signed I hadn’t seen him in a few years and he kind of had that pent-up aggression in him because he’s quality, right, and he hasn’t been able to find that home.
“Gradually, he has managed to feel more and more at home here with his performances, with the way he conducts himself, excellent professional, he is a hungry footballer.
“I am delighted for him. He has that World Cup in mind and definitely he should.”
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“I am really happy to extend my contract with the club,” said the experienced Danish shot-stopper.
“I have had a great welcome and have loved every minute so far at Celtic and I am really looking forward to the next period at such a great football club.
“We have already enjoyed success this season and everyone at the club is focused on delivering more.
“It has been great to be working again with the gaffer and to be part of such a brilliant dressing room, and I wanted to be a part of this going forward.
“As ever, we are all really together and fully focused on bringing our fans as much success as we can.”
“I am really pleased that Kasper will be staying with us,” said the Celtic boss.
“He has already made a great impact on the club, on and off the pitch, and his quality and experience been crucial for us.
“Clearly we knew that we were signing a top keeper last year but he has really delivered for the club already and I know he will continue to do so.
“I know how much he loves being part of such a great club, and as one of our real leaders he will be a massive part of what we are hoping to achieve as we go forward.”
