FALKIRK, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 14: Celtic manager Martin O'Neill during a William Hill Premiership match between Falkirk and Celtic at The Falkirk Stadium, on January 14, 2026, in Falkirk, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Chris Sutton believes that Vil Sinisalo should start in goals for Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday. Over to you Martin O’Neill.
The Celtic manager has a number of big decisions to make but the goalkeeping one could be the most significant.
A replacement has to be found for the suspended Auston Trusty.
Is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at a level of match fitness to start?
Can Ben Nygren be picked in midfield where his contribution is light but, and it is a huge but he is the biggest goal threat.
THE BIGGEST DECISIONS FOR O’NEILL TO MAKE
There are questions to be asked about who plays on the wings and even if Celtic should switch from their tried and trusted 4-3-3 formation.
It won’t be until 10.45 am on Sunday that the questions are answered when the Team Sheet appears.
Most eyes will be at the top to see which Scandinavian gets the nod.
Writing in the Daily Record Sutton has a strong suggestion for his former manager:
Martin O’Neill also has some big decisions to make. Starting Viljami Sinisalo in goal is the first one.
It’s a no-brainer for me. Sinisalo produced a solid performance in Germany. He made decent saves, didn’t take any unnecessary risks with the ball and was prepared to come for some crosses.
He coped in Stuttgart and should be trusted again on Sunday. That’s no disrespect to Kasper Schmeichel, but we have to face facts, the Dane has been responsible for too many goals this season.
It’s tough for us all to take, but time waits for no man. If O’Neill brings him back and it cost him, he’s the one who will cop the flak.
O’Neill might be tempted to stick with Schmeichel because of his vast experience, but Sinisalo is 24 years old. He’s not young.
In last season’s Champions League Schmeichel was outstanding, a key figure in Celtic’s success.
Since injuring his shoulder on international duty last March he hasn’t been close to the same level.
There has been some significant saves but equally weaknesses are obvious.
In December 2024 he was a hero of the League Cup Final win with a penalty save. In two subsequent cup final appearances he has been found wanting.
O’Neill gave little away about who will be in goals when he discussed Sinisalo’s performance in Stuttgart.
Among fans it would seem that most want to see Sinisalo start at Ibrox. As he did last May.
That view was reinforced by the Finn’s performance against Stuttgart. A clean sheet in a rare away European victory.
All the views in the world count for little with the final decision to betaken by O’Neill while consulting with goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods.
Dropping Kasper is an absolute no brainer.
He doesn’t come off his line at corners, he can’t stretch out to his left, he can’t get down low quick enough beaten from range regularly, he never gets near penalties, ever.
But the key thing is, his defence know THEY are the last line, not the keeper.
Having faith that ur man between the sticks can be relied upon frees your mind for the task at hand.
I personally will be hugely disappointed if MON starts Kasper as he is a liability now, hard to say but true.
He will cost us at least one….something we cannot afford in a game like this.
We can also expect the usual early booking for one or two of our back line, happens every time we play this lot.
Yellow cards inside 25mins and the pressure is on.
Guaranteed if schmeichel plays every shot will be to his upper left or low as they will know he’s no chance of saving it , sinasalo has to start.
No brainer. Sinisalo.
Sinasalo for the rest of the season please !