MARTIN O’NEILL has admitted it was no “big decision” to play Kasper Schmeichel against Hibs at Parkhead yesterday.
The Danish legend was blameless as the Edinburgh side won 2-1 to claim their first victory at the venue in 16 years.
Schmeichel had been booed by a section of so-called fans as Celtic lost 4-1 to VfB Stuttgart in the first leg of their Europa League play-off under the lights in the east end of Glasgow on Thursday night.
It was not a memorable evening for the keeper or his team-mates as the 39-year-old netminder was blamed for two of the goals conceded against the Bundesliga outfit that renders the second game in three days’ time virtually meaningless.
BACK ON THE BALL…Kasper Schmeichel in action against Hibs yesterday.
There was a call for Schmeichel to be axed with rarely-seen Finnish shotstopper Viljami Sinisalo getting his chance.
However, O’Neill ignored the ‘advice’ and unhesitatingly played the veteran No.1 against the Easter Road club where the netminder made a crucial save from Martin Boyle that prevented the visitors from doubling their first-half advantage.
Explaining his decision, the 73-year-old Irishman said: “Kasper has been a really fine goalkeeper. He’s been a member of the Leicester City a side that won the Premier League.
“You can’t rest on laurels for the rest of your life, but it wasn’t a big decision for me.
“I sat here on Thursday and said he’s made big saves for us and he made a save at 1-0 down against.
“He did fine. I think the competition for places should apply to everyone, but I thought he showed some character.”
After criticising a section of the support for their antics to stop the match against the Germans after just 15 seconds played, O’Neill praised the home fans for their backing against David Gray’s men.
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT…Martin O’Neill watches as Celtic drop three points to Hibs.
The interim gaffer, speaking to the Scottish Sun, added: “I thought they were willing us on to get another goal.
“I didn’t know the Rangers result until the end of the game. The support was terrific.
“The fans realise this has been a difficult season for Celtic and we’re fighting.
“This game was always going to be difficult. Hibs are a fine side and they were unlucky not to get anything in the derby against Hearts.
“You saw Livingston get a result against Rangers, so the games are difficult.”
The Hoops go back into Premiership action at Ibrox on Sunday which is followed by a midweek trip to face Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
TRUSTY SEES RED AS HOOPS COLLAPSE
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