Celtic face Falkirk this afternoon in the League Cup Quarter Final as Brendan Rodgers’ side target a place in the Semi Finals at Hampden. The Scottish Champions beat Slovan Bratislava in the UEFA Champions League but focus switches to cup action today.
There will be a special moment this afternoon as Kasper Schmeichel faces off against his former employer. The Dane spent a loan spell with John Hughes’ Bairns in the 2006/07 season. The goalie, who would go on to win the Premier League and FA Cup, helped Falkirk beat Celtic.
Gordon Strachan’s side travelled to Falkirk on March 18th 2007 with a healthy lead at the top of the table and came undone against Hughes’ side. Despite dominating the ball and creating chances, Celtic were foiled by a robust Falkirk backline and the young goalie.
Schmeichel managed to turn Shusuke Nakamura’s drive from the edge of the box just wide of the post. Then, he showed his worth with a penalty save.
Celtic were awarded a penalty when referee John Underhill ruled that Holden had fouled Beattie’s leg before clearing the ball following Hartley’s through ball.
Beattie stepped up and failed to score with Schmeichel saving. He also collected a ball after a shot struck the post and fell in the box. The goalie then foiled Naka once more with a good save from a strike from range and Falkirk would win 1-0 thanks to Thomson’s goal from earlier.
After the game Gordon Strachan bemoaned the lack of penalties but Schmeichel impressed and was MOTM.
Falkirk: Schmeichel, Ross, Barr, Milne, Holden, Thomson, Cregg, O’Donnell, Latapy (Moutinho 76), Finnigan, Gow.
Subs Not Used: Lambers, Lima, Dodd, Craig, Scobbie, Uras.Sent Off: Finnigan (38). Booked: Milne, Barr, Ross.
Goal: Thomson 16.
Celtic: Boruc, Wilson (Gravesen 76), Pressley, McManus, Naylor, Hartley, Lennon, Nakamura, Jarosik (McGeady 60), Miller (Zurawski 68), Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Brown, Sno, O’Dea, Caldwell.Sent Off: McManus (38). Booked: Miller, Lennon, Pressley, Hartley.
Att: 6,438