Kasper Schmeichel’s return date is set

Kasper Schmeichel is reported to be winning his battle to be fit for the Scottish Cup Final on May 24.

The veteran goalkeeper hasn’t played for Celtic since the Glasgow Derby on March 16, a week later he suffered a shoulder injury on international duty against Portugal.

Prior to that Schmeichel had been a Player of the Year contender after taking on the huge task of taking over from Joe Hart.

His injury has opened the door to Vil Sinisalo who has now played six consecutive matches and barely put a foot wrong.

There is no rush to bring Schmeichel back but with three SPFL matches coming up over seven days he is ready to stake his claim for a place at Hampden.

The Sun reports:

SunSport understands the 38-year-old is now edging closer to a return —  and the May 24 final against Aberdeen at Hampden is in his sights.

Boss Brendan Rodgers won’t take any risks on Schmeichel until he’s 100 per cent ready, with Viljami Sinisalo proving an able deputy.

But the veteran Dane is hopeful of making a return in Celtic’s final three games of the Premiership season.

And, barring any setback, that would put him in contention to face the Dons at Hampden as the Hoops bid to complete the Treble.

Rodgers is hopeful of having a full squad to choose from for the final.

Obviously Jota will be missing for the cup final.

There are injury issues with Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Nicolas Kuhn with the final SPFL match on May 17 against St Mirren the chance for everyone to demonstrate their fitness for Hampden.