Celtic v Rangers: It’s time Kasper got a kick up the backside like Butland

During an appearance on The Overlap podcast last season, Celtic’s Kasper Schmeichel was asked by host Gary Neville to sum up the task of a modern-day goalkeeper.

‘Everyone always says you’ve got to be crazy, and I agree with that,’ he admitted. ‘Goalkeeping is the position of ultimate responsibility. Without perfection, or as close to perfection as possible, you’re going to cost your team.

‘And there’s no worse feeling in the world than walking off that pitch, looking around that stadium and thinking: “This is my fault”.’

It wasn’t an experience to which he was particularly accustomed throughout a decorated career. Now, ahead of the first Old Firm derby of 2026, legitimate questions are being asked over how Schmeichel is still in the picture at Celtic.

Fans made their feelings known at Fir Park on Wednesday as he made his away over to applaud those who had bothered to stick around after another shambolic defeat. It would be wrong to suggest he was solely to blame, but it was his errors which proved fatal.

Quite why he took a step backwards when Stephen O’Donnell launched a cross into the Celtic box from near enough the halfway line and onto the head of Ibrahim Said for the opener remains a mystery. 

The experienced keeper has looked unconvincing in bog moments throughout the season

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy is weighing up his options as he looks to find a winning formula

Then he tried to find Arne Engels with a hospital pass on the edge of his own area shortly after the break. It was 2-0 and game over seconds later.

They were the kind of mistakes you once wouldn’t have expected from Schmeichel. Yet hardly surprising for anyone who’s watched him over the past seven months or so.

He hasn’t looked the same since injuring his shoulder on duty with Denmark in April. His misjudgment of a routine Shayden Morris delivery provided Aberdeen’s equaliser in the Scottish Cup final, with the Dons going on to secure the trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout.

He hasn’t really recovered. And it’s had a major impact on Celtic in recent weeks. Schmeichel was all at sea when Jonah Ayunga headed St Mirren in front in the Premier Sports Cup final in December, and eyebrows were raised at his attempt to keep out Zac Sapsford’s winner for Dundee United in the league a couple of days later.

How much longer can Celtic keep the faith? No 2 Viljami Sinisalo has impressed for the most part when asked to deputise, and deserves a chance for a proper run in the team.

Schmeichel can’t be anything other than perfect against Rangers today if he wants to keep his place. Perhaps he can look to his opposite number for some inspiration.

This time last year Jack Butland came under scrutiny amid a series of high-profile calamities. He was dropped by interim boss Barry Ferguson in favour of Liam Kelly, and that turned out to be the kick up the backside he needed.

Where would Rangers be without him this season? He was one of very few players with their reputation still intact following Russell Martin’s spell in charge.

Rangers’ Jack Butland has looked more like his old self after a turbulent end to last season

Butland hasn’t been faultless by any stretch. He had a shocker in the defeat against Hearts a fortnight ago, but was outstanding in the follow-up win over Motherwell, and made a crucial penalty save midweek to deny St Mirren’s Marcus Fraser.

Jamie McGrath was also thwarted from the spot late on for Hibs in a 1-0 win for the visitors at Easter Road in October.

Butland has shown throughout his Rangers career that he has both the quality and character to deliver in the big moments.

With his Celtic future hanging in the balance, it’s time for Schmeichel to do the same.