Schmeichel's departure to Manchester City freed the way for Enckelman to make the number one jersey his own and he is determined to keep hold of it.
The 25-year-old was Schmeichel's understudy last season and before that he was cover for David James.
He was considering his future before Schmeichel left as he was growing increasingly frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities, but now Graham Taylor has placed his faith in him to start with Villa.
"It's easier for me now that Peter has gone," said Enckelman.
"I don't think it would have worked if he had stayed and I was second choice - or the other way around if Peter had had to compete for his spot.
"I wouldn't have seen it happening because he's at the stage of his career where he needs to be playing.
"At the age of 39 he wants to put in one more good season and then retire.
"I wish him all the best but the truth is that if he were still here I would have very seriously considered my future.
"I obviously would have needed an offer.
"You just can't leave without having a club but I am sure it would have been a very high possibility that I would have moved on. Fortunately it didn't come to that."
