Neil Lennon has refused to commit to a side on Martin O’Neill’s Celtic goalkeeper decision at Ibrox.
With Kasper Schmeichel under pressure for his poor form, Viljami Sinisalo was given a priceless opportunity to start against Stuttgart, and he didn’t pass it up.
Securing a clean sheet in Celtic’s first-ever win in Germany, the Finland international has put a serious question in O’Neill’s mind for Sunday.
Experienced in making these decisions at Celtic, Lennon was asked about it after the game.
Has he played his way into the team for Ibrox?
Neil Lennon on Martin O’Neill’s Celtic choice vs Rangers
On Premier Sports Ireland, Lennon was asked about Sinisalo’s performance. He said: “Well, he’s been thrown in at the deep end, and he’s delivered.
“To be fair, most of the saves I would’ve wanted him to make. They were at a decent height.
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“Kenny [Cunningham] touched on this, his athleticism’s good. His handling was good. Like I say, there were no real dramas. No panic or anything like that.
“It makes a huge difference [that he comes for crosses etc]. Sunday’s a different matter. But, he’s given himself the best possible opportunity to play.
“He’s been asked to do a job for his manager, and he’s done it with flying colours, and now he’s put a question in the manager’s mind.
“It’s a big decision for Martin. [The context of the game] is different. They were 4-1 down tonight, they’re almost playing with nothing to lose.
“On Sunday, they have everything to lose.”
Asked who he would go for between the pair, Lennon said: “It’s a good question. It’s a great question…
“Normally, you would go with experience; does Martin trust Kasper enough to play? He hasn’t covered himself in glory in the past few weeks.
“Would any be surprised? If he goes for Sinisalo, would anyone go ‘oh my goodness’? You wouldn’t, would you.
“Maybe play him, then. Maybe go, ‘right, you’ve got this until the end of the season. See us through. You’ve waited long enough for your opportunity, now’s your chance to take it’.
“It’s not a massive call, for me, Ash. I think there’s more important calls within the context of the team as well.
“Defensively, midfield… Who does he play up front? Because they’re not scoring goals. So he’s got big decisions to make there as well.
“The goalkeeper… you could maybe toss a coin. I think a lot of the Celtic fans will be disappointed now, after tonight, if Sinisalo doesn’t start.”
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The career of Celtic’s Viljami Sinisalo
After playing in various youth academies in his home country of Finland, Sinisalo was picked up by Aston Villa in 2018.
He spent time on loan at Ayr United, where he played with Luke McCowan. His defining loan spell came at Exeter, however.
Playing 45 games for the League One side, he was named in the division’s team of the season.
He has now made 14 appearances for Celtic, including in last season’s 1-1 draw at Ibrox. He has six caps for Finland.
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