MARTIN O’NEILL is facing a dilemma over his No.1 position as he prepares his squad for the must-win Premiership encounter at Ibrox on Sunday.
The Celtic interim boss has to make a straight choice between regular keeper Kasper Schmeichel and back-up Viljami Sinisalo for the High Noon showdown.
The Danish legend, at the age of 39 and 15 years the senior of the Finnish netminder, has come under fire this season and was blamed for two of the goals in the Hoops’ 4-1 home loss to VfB Stuttgart in the Europa League play-off first leg last week.
DUTCH TREAT…an overjoyed Kasper Schmeichel celebrates Celtic’s 3-1 win over Feyenoord in Rotterdam in November.
Sinisalo got the nod to play in the return and repaid O’Neill’s faith with three excellent saves in an outstanding performance as the Hoops made history with their first-ever win in Germany as Luke McCowan’s lightning strike decided the contest.
Former fans’ favourite Joe Hart, who spent three enjoyable years between the sticks at the champions after arriving in a bargain £1million deal from Spurs in the summer of 2021, quit to move into the media and was co-commentator last night.
Put on the spot about who should get the gloves for Govan, the former England international, a personal friend of Schmeichel, said: “This is someone who means a lot to me.
“I know this position – I’ve been in this position.
“There were so many moments where I needed the manager just to show a bit of faith in me because it wasn’t quite happening.”
THAT’S MY BHOY…Martin O’Neill has a word with Kasper Schmeichel.
Referring to the sickening jeering of Schmeichel from his own fans in the first game against the Germans, Hart, speaking to TNT Sports, continued: “Look, it’s not nice what has gone on.
“That’s just what’s been going on in the club, full stop.
“Kasper won’t worry about that, but I know behind the scenes he will be communicated with well, with a brilliant manager like Martin O’Neill.”
Hart applauded Sinisalo’s shut-out and added: “This was an opportunity for Vil.
“Sunday is a different game and the best version of Kasper will be a great option for that.”
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