A lot of the goals Celtic have conceded in recent weeks have sparked intense debate among supporters and increasingly, fans are asking whether Kasper Schmeichel could have done better.
The spotlight was on him after Rangers’ winner in the derby, where he could’ve done a lot better for the third goal.
Earlier in the match he was chasing the ball like a headless chicken in the box, luckily, it didn’t come to anything.
Now, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has added his voice to the criticism, suggesting that Schmeichel’s fitness and sharpness have dipped this season.
Speaking on The Warm Up, Sutton acknowledged the Dane’s illustrious career but made a blunt assessment of his current level:
“I think a must is a new goalkeeper. I think Kasper Schmeichel has had an unbelievable career, an incredible career.
“And he has been an outstanding goalkeeper, but this season he just hasn’t been the same.
“You know, he looks big. He looks sort of slightly heavy and I think he’s a problem for Celtic.”
Schmeichel arrived at Parkhead with a storied pedigree, Premier League winner, Champions League exploits, and years of elite service, and for a time, he was a reassuring presence between the posts. But this season, questions over his agility, reaction speed and fitness levels have been hard to ignore.
It isn’t just about one goal or one game. In a season where Celtic’s defence has been far from watertight, the goalkeeper’s role in organising the backline and initiating play from the back has come into sharp focus.
With January’s transfer window open, and Martin O’Neill back in the dugout, the question is should Celtic prioritise bringing in a new goalkeeper to solidify the spine of the team?
