Denmark manager Brian Riemer has changed his tune on Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Ahead of Sunday’s Glasgow Derby at Ibrox, there are serious doubts over Schmeichel’s position in the starting XI.
Viljami Sinisalo’s form in the Dane’s injury-enforced absence has given Martin O’Neill a decision to make, and many are expecting that decision to go in the understudy’s favour.
Will his fate be the same at international level?
You have £10m to spend on a new goalkeeper to replace Kasper Schmeichel…
Who do you pick?
Denmark manager Brian Riemer on Celtic’s Kasper Schmeichel
Having previously indicated that he will back the Celtic goalkeeper, Riemer has now said: “Kasper has played the most international matches for Denmark as a goalkeeper, apart from his father.
“But Kasper is now 39 years old, and of course there should be a public debate about a 39-year-old.
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“I have always said that I don’t think there is a difference between the outfield player and goalkeeper positions.
“I play with the players that I think are the right ones and I also do that in the goalkeeper position. That is why I also follow the situation in our goalkeepers’ clubs with great interest.
“I’ve noticed that there are many people who are interested in the goalkeeper position. We should be happy about that.
“It’s completely wrong to say I will pick Kasper because he has been such a great personality in the Denmark team over the years… if I did that, I shouldn’t be in the job. It’s very simple.
“Kasper Schmeichel represents Denmark if he’s the best – and of course, it’s me who decides. He will never play an international match for me because he has won 120 caps, has been our keeper for ten years or because he once saved a penalty.
“I can say that 100 per cent. I can guarantee I will choose the best goalkeeper to play for Denmark.”
Has he played his way into the team for Ibrox?
Kasper Schmeichel in World Cup race at Celtic
Schmeichel isn’t the only Celtic player in a race to make the World Cup, but as a goalkeeper, he is in a unique position.
In a heartfelt comment on the situation, Joe Hart emphasised the importance of trust from your manager as a goalkeeper – this seems to be waning for Schmeichel.
The 39-year-old has serious competition for his spot in the team, too. Mads Hermansen and Filip Jorgensen have both made big-money moves to the Premier League in recent years.
If Schmeichel loses his place in the Celtic team, the writing will likely be on the wall for his World Cup hopes.
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