Ajax face goalkeeper crisis ahead of Celtic clash

Ajax coach Frank de Boer is sweating over his goalkeeping options ahead of the Champions League games against Celtic. Picture: AP

CELTIC have been handed a potential boost with the news that Ajax are suffering a goalkeeping crisis ahead of the teams meeting in the Champions League.

The Eredivisie club’s manager Frank de Boer has admitted his concern over first-choice goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer, who has conceded eight goals in his last two matches.

Vermeer, who has four international caps, had a match to forget as Ajax were beaten 4-0 by rivals PSV Eindhoven.

De Boer has revealed that his No. 1 is suffering a crisis of confidence as a result, and said: “It is not easy for Kenneth just now.

“It is a matter of regaining trust. He is also punching balls that he normally catches.”

The former Dutch international stopper added: “Every goalkeeper goes through spells like this sometimes. We are going to sit down with Kenneth and discuss it with him.”

De Boer’s other options between the sticks are Danish ‘keeper Jasper Cillessen - a 24-year-old who has only made eight appearances in three years for the Amsterdam side - and 19-year-old rookie Micky van der Hart, the club’s third-choice goalie.