Wilfried Nancy needs to make brave call Brendan Rodgers didn’t and axe Celtic star vs Livingston

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Everyone was breathing a sigh of relief when Wilfried Nancy won his first game as Celtic boss against Aberdeen.

But if Nancy thinks these opening five matches at Celtic have been tough, then it’s only going to become far more difficult for the Frenchman because this is Glasgow.

On Saturday, Celtic take on Livingston in the Premiership, as the champions of Scotland aim to pile more misery on David Martindale’s bottom-of-the-table side, and boost their own hopes of catching leaders Hearts.

Under Brendan Rodgers, one of the big talking points was Celtic’s goalkeeping spot and who should be number one between Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo.

And now Nancy needs to make the call that Rodgers simply wasn’t brave enough to make.

• READ MORE: 67 Hail Hail writers predict goals galore as Wilfried Nancy and Celtic aim to beat Livingston

Viljami Sinisalo should start ahead of Kasper Schmeichel for Celtic against Livingston

Towards the back end of last season, Schmeichel suffered a shoulder injury on international duty, and it meant that Sinisalo started in between the sticks for a period of time.

That proved to be a blessing in disguise because it allowed fans to see what their 2024 summer signing from Aston Villa was all about.

It’s fair to say that the Finnish international looked impressive, composed, and most importantly, ready to play in between the sticks for the Hoops.

But Schmeichel returned before the season could end, including starting Celtic’s Scottish Cup Final defeat to Aberdeen, where he was at fault for their equalising goal, before Jimmy Thelin’s side won on penalties. 

Hampden has been a bit of a nightmare for Schmeichel of late, because Kenny McLean scored from the halfway line against him as Scotland booked their World Cup ticket at Denmark’s expense in November.

Before Schmeichel produced another horror show in December, when St Mirren caused a League Cup final upset.

Either way, it’s time for Nancy to try something new in between the sticks.

Look beyond this season because, not only are there big question marks above Schmeichel’s head, but Sinisalo deserves more than just to be sitting on the bench.