FEET AND TIDY

Kasper says ball at his feet is just part of the game now

- FRASER WILSON

WHEN Kasper Schmeichel sent Innes Cameron for a Killie pie with a Rugby Park pirouette on Sunday keepers the world over no doubt felt their belly lurch.

Ninety-nine per cent of shotstoppers would have shelled Liam Scales’ pass back into Row Z and given their team-mate an ear bashing for landing them in the soup.

A few others would have cannoned a panic-stricken clearance off the big Kilmarnock striker right into their own net.

But Schmeichel? The touch and turn on the edge of his own six-yard box was meat and drink for a keeper equally good at playing with his feet as his hands.

It’s not just now either. Not until he turned 15 did the Denmark legend decide for sure that following in his dad Peter’s footsteps and pulling on the gloves was the best course for his career. Up until then he’d played mainly as a striker.

Few would doubt he made the right decision. Three big saves in Ayrshire were crucial to the Hoops returning to the top the table with a 2-0 victory.

But a showreel of his passing range and ability on the ball as the last line of defence was every bit as impressive.

Comfortable with the ball at his feet? It’s like the big No.1 has pulled a pair of his giant Uhlsport mitts over his toes.

The 38-year-old is loving the responsibility placed on him by Brendan Rodgers to be an 11th outfield player.