Speaking to Press Association, as quoted by FourFourTwo, St Mirren midfielder Sam Foley has raved about ‘unbelievable’ Rangers linked goalkeeper, Vaclav Hladky, and admitted he may not play alongside him again.
Buddies stopper Hladky claimed back in November last year that the Gers had approached him about a possible transfer when his current contract expires in the summer [Scottish Sun].
Speculation around a potential move has died down in recent times, but given the current suspension of all Scottish football, the 29-year-old could have already played his final game for St Mirren.
Foley would love to see the former Czech Republic youth international stick around, but he appears resigned to the fact he’ll leave for a bigger club.
“Obviously the situation is totally unprecedented,” Foley told Press Association, as quoted by FourFourTwo. “We might not be back playing until guys like Vaclav are out of contract which is a worry.”
“He’s had an unbelievable season and he is an unbelievable goalkeeper. There’s no doubt in my mind he will end up playing at a much higher level than the Scottish Premiership. It’s only a matter of time.
“It’s not just Vaclav, there are a lot of other guys whose contacts expire and it’s a shame if we don’t get to see them again in a St Mirren kit.”
Verdict
Hladky signed for St Mirren from Slovan Liberec in 2019 as a relatively unknown quantity but he has starred in Paisley.
He was the hero of their penalty shoot-out Premiership playoff win last season, and he’s been in excellent form between the sticks this campaign too.
Ten clean sheets in 30 appearances for a side down near the foot of the table is an impressive feat and he’s pulled off more than his fair share of spectacular saves in other fixtures. His fingertip stop to deny Marios Ogkmpoe in a home draw against Hamilton in February, was a particular highlight.
It remains to be seen whether or not there will be a transfer window at all this summer, but Rangers could do worse than bringing in Hladky to provide genuine competition for Allan McGregor.
With Wes Foderingham and Jak Alnwick soon out of contract and Robby McCrorie perhaps still in need of more experience out on loan, a new keeper will more than likely be required.