Kasper Schmeichel’s Celtic starting spot is seriously under threat after the emergence of Viljami Sinisalo over the past few weeks.
Schmeichel’s arrival at Paradise was hailed as the ultimate replacement for Joe Hart and, in many ways, plenty of Celtic fans thought he was an upgrade on the popular Englishman after his first few months at the club.
However, as Celtic enter the crucial title run-in, the Danish international finds himself in an unfamiliar position, fighting to reclaim a jersey that many fans believe is no longer his.
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Where has it gone wrong for Kasper Schmeichel this season?
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Why Viljami Sinisalo deserves Celtic starting spot ahead of Schmeichel
The shift in narrative hasn’t just happened overnight. While Schmeichel has dealt with a combination of nagging illness, a shoulder issue and poor form at Celtic, Viljami Sinisalo has done more than just fill in for the big Dane.
The young Finn’s performance in Celtic’s Scottish Cup quarter-final win at Ibrox yesterday has fundamentally put Sinisalo into the running for the permanent starting spot.
Under the high-pressure glare of the Glasgow Derby, Sinisalo looked composed, commanded his box, and offered a level of mobility that some argue the 39-year-old Schmeichel currently lacks.
Martin O’Neill now faces a selection headache, but it’s one the Celtic manager wants, especially with season-defining fixtures coming up.
The case for Kasper Schmeichel remaining Celtic’s number one
Schmeichel’s resume is undisputed; his experience in title-winning run-ins is exactly why he was brought to Celtic.
However, football is a game of momentum. Sinisalo hasn’t just kept clean sheets; he has instilled a visible sense of calm in a backline that has been ravaged by injuries to key figures like Cameron Carter-Vickers.
With a Scottish Cup semi-final secured and the chase on with Hearts for Scottish Premiership title, there is no room for sentiment.
Schmeichel returned to training last Friday, but Sinisalo has the gloves. For Schmeichel to win them back before the trophy is lifted, he’ll need to prove that his form and fitness outweighs Sinisalo’s.
The battle for the No. 1 spot is officially the most intriguing selection dilemma of Celtic’s season so far.
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