The Celtic player was on the receiving end of heavy criticism for his performance against FC Utrecht.
Celtic looked set for a comfortable night and a place in the next round of the Europa League after racing into a 3–0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes against FC Utrecht.
As has so often been the case in Europe, however, the game quickly became more complicated than it needed to be.
A goal just before half-time and another shortly after the hour mark dragged Utrecht back into the contest and raised nerves inside Celtic Park. Thankfully for the Hoops, Auston Trusty popped up with a fourth goal to restore some calm. The American defender, heavily criticised last season, has quietly rebuilt his reputation with a run of strong performances.
The same cannot be said for Kasper Schmeichel.
The Danish goalkeeper once again came under scrutiny after another unconvincing display, with many supporters pointing the finger at him for the goals conceded. Schmeichel has struggled for consistency for months, yet continues to be selected as Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Supporters did not hold back online following the final whistle. One fan wrote: “Schmeichel is so finished. How is he still getting a game?” Another added: “Schmeichel is a liability.”
At 38, Schmeichel appears well past his peak, and the decline from even his early performances at Celtic has been alarming for large sections of the support. Unfortunately for Celtic, options are limited. Viljami Sinisalo was given opportunities earlier in the season but failed to convince, leaving the club short on reliable alternatives.
With depth an issue in goal, it now seems likely that Schmeichel will remain the number one for the remainder of the campaign, even as frustration among the fanbase continues to grow.