Andy Walker’s verdict on Kasper Schmeichel starting for Celtic vs VfB Stuttgart

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Former Celtic striker Andy Walker has explained why Martin O’Neill will ‘persevere’ with Kasper Schmeichel for the Europa League clash with VfB Stuttgart.

Schmeichel has been coming in for some heat after high-profile errors have cost Celtic goals and points on the domestic and European fronts.

The big Danish goalkeeper enjoyed a stellar first season at Celtic, but Schmeichel has found it difficult to recapture the form that made him an instant hero in the eyes of the Hoops support.

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And ahead of Celtic’s game against Stuttgart in the Europa League, Andy Walker explains why Martin O’Neill will stick with the 39-year-old veteran stopper.

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Walker believes picking Schmeichel for Celtic vs Stuttgart is the ‘right call’

Schmeichel knows he has Viljami Sinisalo waiting in the wings to take his place as Celtic’s number one, but Walker firmly believes that O’Neill will show faith in the Danish keeper tonight.

Walker told The Go Radio Football Show, “Yeah, Schmeichel is drawing attention to himself with some strange decisions, some mistakes.

“I think Martin O’Neill will persevere with him, with his experience, with his, hopefully, his big game mentality, when he can pull off some big saves.

“I know he did that in the previous home game in Europe.

“I know he’s chucked one or two in, but I think Martin O’Neill will persevere with him. And I think that’s probably the right call.”

Kasper Schmeichel’s Celtic stats with Martin O’Neill as manager

Schmeichel’s form for Celtic in Europe has been a primary talking point ahead of the VfB Stuttgart clash. While his shot-stopping has been excellent, clean sheets have been elusive in the Europa League.

Despite Schmeichel making 30 saves during the Europa League league phase, the seventh-highest total in the competition, the Celtic keeper has still conceded 15 goals.

Hopefully, that will all change tonight and Celtic can record a convincing win to take to Germany in the second leg to get into the last 16 of the tournament.