The Dane is facing intense scrutiny due to his underwhelming displays for Celtic.
Denmark head coach Brian Riemer has acknowledged he has a choice to make regarding Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel ahead of the World Cup play-offs.
He also emphasized that the veteran’s 120 international caps will not influence his judgment. Denmark will welcome North Macedonia later this month as they attempt to recover from their heartbreak at Hampden in November, when they suffered a dramatic 4-2 defeat that secured Scotland’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years.
Schmeichel has come under significant criticism because of his disappointing form for Celtic and the reality that Denmark’s other two goalkeepers – Mads Hermansen and Filip Jorgensen – are currently playing in the English Premier League with West Ham and Chelsea.
Riemer had previously supported Schmeichel, but he has now made it clear that reputation alone will not determine his selection.
He said: “Kasper has played the most international matches for Denmark as a goalkeeper, apart from his father. 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.
“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.
“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.”