What we spotted about Kasper Schmeichel as Celtic release Lennoxtown footage before big Scottish Cup tie

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Brendan Rodgers puts his players through their paces as he prepares Celtic for the Scottish Cup tie against St Johnstone.

The Celtic manager is fully focused on today crucial Scottish Cup match at Hampden as the opportunity of securing the third treble of his Parkhead career looms.

Rodgers goes into the tie with a relatively fit and healthy squad with the only question really remaining over whether or not Kasper Schmeichel is fit enough to return to the Celtic first team.

The Celtic hero was injured on international duty and Viljami Sinisalo has been looking after his gloves for the Hoops recently.

The Finnish international is widely expected to start today’s Scottish Cup tie against St Johnstone but after what 67 Hail Hail spotted in training footage released by Celtic, Schmeichel’s return between the sticks could be closer than fans think.

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Kasper Schmeichel looking very agile as Celtic prepare to face St Johnstone

Schmeichel has missed just four games for Celtic so far this season. The 38-year-old was rested for the Scottish Cup win over Raith Rovers but has missed the last three games due to injury.

And in Lennoxtown footage released by Celtic yesterday, Schmeichel’s return may not be as far off as many may think.

The big goalkeeper looked happy and relaxed and he entered the training pitch with no sign of any supporting on his injured shoulder.

And as Schmeichel took part in some shooting drills, the Denmark international looked sharp, mobile and pain-free and he made some diving saves.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reveals Schmeichel’s injury state of play

Taking in his pre-match press conference for the Scottish Cup tie against St Johnstone, Brendan Rodgers was asked about the health of the squad as he gave an update on Schmeichel’s Hampden availability.

Rodgers told Celtic TV [4m 45s], “Kasper’s working out on the pitch, he’s not ready yet. Yang is coming out of the sling shortly and we’ll see how that is.

“Dane Murray has an issue with his knee so we’ll be looking at that as well.”

So whilst Schmeichel is unavailable for today, the footage shows that the bog goalkeeper could be ready for Rangers, if not Dundee United.

What a boost that would be for Celtic’s imminent title party and it would be a major shot in the arm for Rodgers to get his Ibrox revenge on his closest rival.