UEFA Nations League: Portugal – Denmark. Referee Slavko Vincic looks at Denmark’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who is in pain in the shoulder during the UEFA Nations League playoff match in League A at Josà Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal on Sunday, March 23, 2025. (Photo: Bo Amstrup Ritzau Scanpix)
Q: A lot of comments came his way as well about his performance. Even some that got a bit personal as well over in Denmark. What have you made of that and have you had to say anything to him?
Brendan Rodgers: “Well, one, I haven’t seen it. So, I don’t know what was said, but all I know is who Kasper is. The reason I brought him here, knowing him so well, is because he’s still a top-class keeper. I think if you look at his performance level for us over the course of the season, he’s been absolutely brilliant. In big games, he’s made big performances. And for me, he still has that hunger and that desire to play. When criticism comes, as a coach, manager, player, whatever it comes, sometimes it’s not civil. Sometimes, like you say, it’s personal, sadly. But what I know with Kasper is he’s an outstanding goalkeeper. He’s been brilliant for this club since he’s come in. He’s been an incredible ambassador and performer for his country. I know, like I said in my spell at Leicester and here working with him, how proud he is to play for Denmark and represent Denmark and how much he wants to win with Denmark. Sadly as well, sometimes as a goalkeeper, you’re in there on your own in some ways. But I know his character and mentality, and I know how determined he’ll be to come back.”
Bergamo, Italy, 23rd October 2024. Viljami Sinisalo and Alistair Johnston of Celtic applaud the fans following the final whistle of during the UEFA Champions League match at Stadio di Bergamo, Bergamo. Photo Jonathan Moscrop / Sportimage
Q: Brendan, on the flip side of that, is it a chance for Viljami Sinisalo to impress this weekend and perhaps a few weekends going forward?
Brendan Rodgers: “Yes. Vil will come in and play. He’s a very talented young goalkeeper. That’s why we brought him here. He was a very, very good pre-season. He’s been outstanding in training and what we’ve seen, I’ve seen him grow and develop. But of course, with every player, it’s when you’re out in the arena of Celtic and beyond that, that’s when you’re measured and when you’re judged. But I’ve got no qualms about putting him in.”
Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on February 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Q: In terms of other injury news, Callum McGregor training today, we spoke to Paulo Bernardo yesterday, he said he’s ready and available. Can they both start at the weekend and how big a boost is it to have them back?
Brendan Rodgers: “Well, I think availability is important. It was probably one of the things in the last game as well, we’re the shortest we’ve been probably all season. But we’ve got Paulo back. James Forrest is back in the squad. Austin Trusty will be back in the squad, Callum is back in the squad. Liam Scales, he’s training individually, because of his operation he cannot play until leading into Kilmarnock. But he’s training individually. Apart from that, the squad is in a good place.”
Q: With Kasper, is it possible that his season is over?
Brendan Rodgers: “I don’t know. I’m just waiting to hear on the scan back. I don’t know any more than that.”
