Kasper Schmeichel has played down talk of a new Celtic contract, insisting he is fully focused on the immediate challenges ahead rather than his long-term future.

The Danish goalkeeper initially arrived at Parkhead in 2023 on a one-year deal before extending for another 12 months at the start of this year. With the new season barely underway, discussions have already begun about the prospect of a further extension that would see the veteran’s stay in Glasgow stretch to three years.

But Schmeichel has made it clear he has no intention of getting drawn into that debate just yet.

“No, that’s just not how we operate right now,” he told STV. “There’s a massive game and all focus is on that. I can’t imagine that’s important to them or to me, at the moment. I’ve got a contract and it is what it is at the moment. We’ll take that at some point.”

The former Leicester and Manchester City keeper remains Brendan Rodgers’ number one, but his injury at the end of last season opened the door for Viljami Sinisalo to impress. The Finnish stopper produced a composed display in the League Cup win over Falkirk, further fuelling suggestions he could emerge as Celtic’s cup goalkeeper this season – and perhaps the long-term successor to Schmeichel. He has certainly shown that he has the quality to.

For now, Rodgers can count on having two quality options between the posts. Whether that continues beyond this season depends on how Celtic handle the balance between Schmeichel’s experience and Sinisalo’s growing reputation.