Meanwhile wing Fitzgerald had not featured at all before coming back for the clash with the Scottish outfit that saw Leinster triumph 31-16 at Murrayfield.
But Kearney and Fitzgerald were back to their best against the Scarlets, both scoring in the 33-14 win which keeps Leinster's slim hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals alive.
Schmidt paid tribute to Kearney and Fitzgerald's attitude, both on and off the field, and wants them to now make a difference for the club in the RaboDirect PRO12 as well as in their last European fixture against Exeter.
"They're really good guys to have in the environment, they are humble men who fit in and don't try to overplay themselves or dominate too much," said Schmidt.
"They slotted straight back in [off the field] and that has allowed us to slot them in and play some good stuff as well. I thought Rob took his try really well and Luke carried well and finished off well.
"We'd still need a miracle [to qualify in the Heineken Cup]. We're alive but it is fingertips stuff, we need results to go our way and need a win against Exeter who are tough to beat at home let alone away."
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