The forgotten day that Kasper Schmeichel denied Celtic

Celtic are expected to complete the signing of Kasper Schmeichel over the weekend. The 37-year-old Denmark Internationalist will join on a one year deal with an option for a second. In a career that includes an FA Cup, Premier League and appearances at major tournaments, it is often forgotten that Schmeichel has already experienced Scottish football.

During a fifteen game loan spell, the son of the Man Utd legend helped cut his teeth in the SPL. The Dane impressed while in Scotland, which put him on the trajectory that turned him into the world class goalkeeper. Celtic fans will remember Schmeichel appearing at Paradise with Leicester in the summer of 2016, but he has faced up against Celtic before competitively.

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 John 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

Celtic are expected to sign Schmeichel to replace Joe Hart and will look to replicate his role in the team.