Former Aberdeen stopper on why Kasper Schmeichel shouldn't be written off at Celtic as he remains Denmark's number one
His countryman believes despite recent blunders his experience is valuable at both club and international level.
Former Aberdeen and Denmark International goalkeeper, Peter Kjaer believes Kasper Schmeichel is capable of bouncing back from his poor form at Celtic, but doesn’t think fans booing him will be doing anything for his confidence.
The Celtic goalkeeper was criticised by his own fans for his performance against Stuttgart where his errors culminated in two goals for the visitors in their 4-1 Parkhead rout. However, this wasn’t an isolated incident this season as the usually-reliable veteran stopper has been inconsistent throughout the season.
At the age of 39, Schmeichel was never going to be at the same level now as he was when he was winning the English Premier League for Leicester City, however his recent dip in form has called for some fans and pundits alike to request back-up goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo to get a chance between the sticks, but so far Martin O’Neill has stuck with his man.
Schmeichel is ‘mentally strong’ but the boos won’t help - Kjaer
Kjaer, who played 43 times for Aberdeen in the early 2000s, thinks Schmeichel shouldn’t be written off by Celtic fans despite his recent performances. The Dane told Glasgow Times: “I was really surprised when I heard cat-calls from Celtic fans towards Kasper Schmeichel.
"When your own fans are on your back, it is very unusual. It doesn't strike me as typically British. In Scotland I never experienced it, not just towards me, but in general I didn't experience it. You rarely experience it. I have no doubt that Kasper is mentally strong.
"But no matter how we twist it, it's something that affects a person. That's how I would have felt. Kasper has made mistakes and will make some again, but you know what you are getting with him—someone who has won many caps and knows what he's going to face."
Denmark number one spot under threat
After Denmark were defeated by Scotland 4-2 in November’s World Cup qualification decider, they will now face Macedonia next month. Schmeichel has 120 caps over an International career that spans over a decade, however West Ham and Chelsea back up stoppers Mads Hermansen and Filip Jorgensen are now making a case to take his spot. However Kjaer believes they should stick with the experienced stopper for now ahead of a must win clash.
He continued: "I don't doubt for a second the qualities of back-up goalkeepers Filip Jorgensen or Mads Hermansen. But we haven't seen them play for the national team. However, I don't think it's the right time to look for a new keeper for Denmark though.
"For me, it would be deeply strange if you change ahead of the first play-off game. I'm not the Denmark manager, but for me it would be crazy to change keeper, especially when we have so many injuries and suspensions in defence."