KASPER SCHMEICHEL scored a spectacular own goal at the weekend when he snubbed Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren to take in former club Manchester City’s Premier League encounter against Arsenal at The Etihad.
By Martin O’Neill’s admission, the keeper is still under contract at the champions.
Schmeichel may well have played his last game for the Hoops, sadly a 2-1 loss to Hibs at Parkhead on February 22, but, despite a career-threatening injury at the age of 39, he really should have been at Hampden to lend his support to the team which will continue to pay his wages until the last day of June.
The Dane is well known as an inspirational presence in the dressing room, irrespective of his availability.
SEEING DOUBLE…Kasper Schmeichel stretches in vain as a header from Marcus Fraser (extreme right) gives St Mirren the early lead in Celtic’s 3-1 Premier League Cup Final loss in December. And (below) Viljami Sinisalo strikes a similar pose as Mikael Mandron’s effort eludes him for the Saints’ first strike in the Hoops’ 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final extra-time triumph at Hampden on Sunday.
A word or two in the ear of Viljami Sinisalo would surely have encouraged the 23-year-old Finn as he prepared for his ninth successive first-team appearance during the enforced absence of his vastly more experienced team-mate.
At 2pm on Sunday, Celtic went into action against the opponents who took advantage of the early throes of the Wilfried Nancy meltdown to deservedly win 3-1 in the Premier Sports League Cup Final in mid-December.
Schmeichel played that dismal day and could have provided a pointer to Sinisalo on the particular strengths of Mikael Mandron and Jonah Ayunga, for instance, the two main protagonists for the Paisley club.
To many observers, with former Celtic players among them, the Scottish Cup represents the club’s more realistic opportunity of an honour during a turbulent campaign.
The doomsday squad would have you and I believe there is zero chance of the team winning their fifth successive title.
THE FINAL APPEARANCE…Kasper Schmeichel is on the ball in what will almost certainly be his last Celtic appearance at Hampden during the team’s 3-1 loss to St Mirren in the Premier Sports League Cup Final in December.
Certainly, considering the Hoops have been turned over in eight league games this season, you may well be compelled to write them off.
The fact is, however, O’Neill’s side are only three points behind leaders Hearts and two adrift of Danny Rohl’s Ibrox side with five games to play.
Something has to give in the run-in and those of a Celtic persuasion will hope the team that have won thirteen of the previous 14 crowns will have the savvy to pick their way through the minefield yet again.
It’s time for all hands to the pump. Everyone pulling in the same direction. Needs must and all that.
Last weekend, someone really should have reminded Schmeichel where his loyalties lay at the crucial stage of the campaign.
He may well be looking to a future in the media and he was at The Etihad to discuss the City v Arsenal encounter with one-time Gunners’ star Freddie Ljunberg, who had a brief spell at the Hoops in 2011. They chatted about the prospects of their respective former clubs on Viaplay Premier Sunday.
TAKING THE MIKE…Kasper Schmeichel during his Viaplay stint in Manchester on Sunday.
Nice work if you can get it and the 120 times-capped Danish legend will surely be in a quandary today.
Celtic kick off at 5.30pm against Falkirk at Parkhead on Saturday as they venture towards the league climax. It goes without saying that three points are a must.
Fifteen minutes earlier, Manchester City are scheduled to commence their English Cup semi-final against Southampton at Wembley.
Nordic satellite station Viaplay are not scheduled to show the game, but there should be no decision to make for the veteran netminder.
Schmeichel should be in the dressing room prior to kick-off and in the stand to provide his motivation in the east end of Glasgow.
After all, he is still a Celtic player.
ALEX GORDON
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