We continue our end of season review looking at how some of Scottish football’s most notable players faired in 2018/19, with a look at Hearts’ goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal.
On the face of it, Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal had a more than decent season. He conceded 52 goals in 40 games, keeping 12 clean sheets in the process.
Won back goalkeeping position
(photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)
He also won back the goalkeeping position from Colin Doyle after a spell out of the side. However, he will be left ruing a chance that got away.
In the Scottish Cup Final against Celtic, Hearts had unexpectedly taken a 1-0 second-half lead thanks to Ryan Edwards.
(photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
However, less than 10 minutes later, Celtic were awarded a penalty when Zlamal was adjudged to have fouled Odsonne Edouard.
His frustration was evident
Edouard took the penalty, Zlamal dived the right way and got a touch on the ball but the goal was scored. His frustration was there for all to see following the goal.
(photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)
The goalkeeper could do little about Edouard’s winning goal. Despite not making the save, Zlamal can be pleased with his season overall.
He looks set to be the Hearts number one goalkeeper for the foreseeable future. Hopefully he will have already forgotten the penalty, and will be eager to make up for it next season.
If he does, perhaps Hearts can go one step further and bring a trophy back to Tynecastle.