Kasper Schmeichel facing difficult Denmark gloves decision

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The Celtic Star

·8 mars 2026

Kasper Schmeichel facing difficult Denmark gloves decision

Denmark boss Brian Riemer has revealed that he faces a significant selection call regarding Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel ahead of the upcoming World Cup play-offs…

The Danish boss made it clear that Schmeichel’s extensive international experience – which currently stands at 120 caps – will not automatically guarantee him a starting role.

Denmark are set to welcome North Macedonia later this month as they attempt to recover from the disappointment of their defeat at Hampden Park last November.

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On that occasion, a 4–2 loss to Scotland ended Denmark’s hopes and secured Scotland’s first World Cup qualification in 28 years.

Schmeichel has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks due to inconsistent performances for the Scottish champions.

At the same time, Denmark’s other goalkeeping options – Mads Hermansen and Filip Jørgensen – are currently playing in the Premier League with West Ham United and Chelsea respectively.

Although Riemer has previously shown faith in Schmeichel, he emphasised that any decision on his starting goalkeeper will be based on current form rather than experience.

Speaking via Daily Record, Riemer said: “Kasper has played the most international matches for Denmark as a goalkeeper, apart from his father.

Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic celebrates. Bologna v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Football, Renato Dall Ara Stadium, Bologna, Italy – 22 January 2026. Photo Michael Zemanek IMAGO/Shutterstock

“But Kasper is now 39 years old, and of course there should be a public debate about a 39-year-old. I have always said that I don’t think there is a difference between the outfield player and goalkeeper positions.

“I play with the players that I think are the right ones and I also do that in the goalkeeper position.”

Riemer added: “That is why I also follow the situation in our goalkeepers’ clubs with great interest. I’ve noticed that there are many people who are interested in the goalkeeper position. We should be happy about that. It’s completely wrong to say I will pick Kasper because he has been such a great personality in the Denmark team over the years.”

Celtic press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz – Europa League Herning, Denmark – November 5: Goalkeepers Kasper Schmeichel and Jonas Lossl during Celtic press conference ahead of the match against FC Midtjylland in UEFA Europa League at MCH Arena Herning MCH Arena Denmark. Photo DANIEL STENTZ/IMAGO

“If I did that, I shouldn’t be in the job. It’s very simple. Kasper Schmeichel represents Denmark if he’s the best – and of course, it’s me who decides.”

“He will never play an international match for me because he has won 120 caps, has been our keeper for ten years or because he once saved a penalty. I can say that 100 per cent. I can guarantee I will choose the best goalkeeper to play for Denmark.”

Super save from Viljami Sinisalo. Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

The Denmark manager will be watching with interest today to see what decision Martin O’Neill makes in terms of choosing his goalkeeper for Ibrox this afternoon as it very much looks like Kasper Schmeichel will return to the Celtic squad after his illness but will be named as a substitute with Viljami Sinisalo keeping the gloves after three consecutive impressive performances against VfB Stuttgart in Germany, the Rangers at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership last weekend and then up at Pittodrie in midweek.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order