Chris Sutton feels that Vil Sinisalo should be the man between the posts for Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday. The decision now rests with Martin O’Neill.
The Celtic boss has several major calls to make, but the goalkeeper dilemma may prove the most crucial.
A stand-in must be selected for the suspended Auston Trusty.
Is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fit enough to be named in the starting XI?
Can Ben Nygren justify a midfield spot where his overall input is minimal but — and it’s a significant caveat — he remains the side’s greatest goal threat?
THE KEY CALLS FOR O’NEILL
There are also dilemmas over the wide areas and even whether Celtic should abandon their familiar 4-3-3 setup.
Answers won’t arrive until 10:45am on Sunday when the Team Sheet is released.
Most attention will focus on the top of the page to see which Scandinavian is selected.
Writing in the Daily Record, Sutton offered firm advice to 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.”
During last season’s Champions League campaign, Schmeichel was exceptional and played a pivotal role in Celtic’s achievements.
However, since suffering a shoulder injury on international duty last March, he has not reached those same heights.
There have still been notable stops, yet his vulnerabilities have also been evident.
In December 2024, he was the hero in the League Cup Final triumph thanks to a penalty save. But in the two cup finals that followed, his performances have come under scrutiny.
O’Neill remained tight-lipped regarding his goalkeeping choice when discussing Sinisalo’s display in Stuttgart.
Among supporters, it appears the majority would prefer to see Sinisalo start at Ibrox — as he did last May.
That opinion was strengthened by the Finn’s showing against Stuttgart, securing a clean sheet in a rare European away success.
Ultimately, opinions count for little. The final call rests with O’Neill, who will consult goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods before making his decision.