KASPER SCHMEICHEL will miss his third successive Celtic game when the champions take on Aberdeen in the vitally important Premiership encounter at Pittodrie this evening.
The 39-year-old Danish legend has been virtual first-choice ever since joining the Hoops on a free from Anderlecht in the summer of 2024 following the retirement of fans’ favourite Joe Hart.
However, after some criticism of Schmeichel following below-par performances during a turbulent season, Viljami Sinisalo got the nod from Martin O’Neill to face VfB Stuttgart in Germany on Thursday.
The 24-year-old Finnish international made three excellent saves as the visitors claimed a historic European win courtesy of Luke McCowan’s strike in only 29 seconds.
With Schmeichel feeling unwell, Sinisalo went in again at the weekend at Ibrox and could not be faulted for the two goals conceded in a 2-2 draw.
THAT’S MY BHOYS…Martin O’Neill acknowledges the Celtic support after the 2-2 draw at Ibrox as Viljami Sinisalo, Yang Hyun-jun and Sebastian Tounekti look on.
He will be in No.1 position tonight with Ross Doohan on stand-by duty against the team he quit in the summer to return to Parkhead.
Looking at the current Schmeichel v Sinisalo situation, O’Neill said: “I’m quite sure that every single goalkeeper has had to sit back for a while and wait for his chance.
“Kasper’s had a great career, this young lad’s trying to make a career. And I’m not saying that we’re using this as an opportunity.
“But it is and I’m sure you’ll find this an opportunity for him to impress and try to do well and hold down the spot.”
The interim boss, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “The decision was made for me.
“It’s a battle. And why shouldn’t goalkeepers have a battle on?
“Outfield players, we’re changing the side around, we’re chopping and changing at different stages.”
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