Martin O’Neill admits Vil Sinisalo could start for Celtic versus Rangers | OneFootball

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has admitted that Vil Sinisalo might have played himself into the starting XI after an impressive European debut against Stuttgart. After coming into the side at the expense of experienced No.1 Kasper Schmeichel, the Finnish stopper impressed as Celtic battled to a 1-0 away win against the Bundesliga side.

Sinisalo played at Ibrox last May in a 1-1 draw after Celtic had secured the league title and again, gave an accomplished performance. The return to the team has resulted in many calling for the ex-Aston Villa talent to come into the side for the vital class against Danny Röhl’s side.

Speaking after the game, O’Neill complimented Sinisalo and admitted that his display gives him a decision to make ahead of Sunday’s trip to face Rangers at Ibrox.

“I think he’s done really well.

“I’m delighted for him, he’s a lovely lad.

“He did great in the game and so did a few others as well.

“Not a few others, everybody did well in the match.

“And yes, it gives me food for thought ahead of Sunday.”

Viljami Sinisalo. at Ibrox. theRangers v Celtic, 4 May 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Schmeichel has struggled this season, with injections required to assist him through games given his ongoing shoulder issue. Sinisalo made some sharp stops and it could be that he has played himself into the manager’s thinking ahead of the game at the weekend.

The legendary Celtic manager confirmed that his team would be traveling back to Glasgow on Friday before preparing for the clash at Ibrox on Sunday.

“We don’t have that much time to get ourselves ready for it, but we’ll go again.

“We’re staying overnight here and we travel back tomorrow and get ourselves ready for it.”

The manager will have a number of selection headaches to take to the game at Ibrox, the heroic defensive display will surely give the coaching staff some decisions to make. Ultimately, the decision to pick the goalkeeper will likely require input from Stevie Woods and Michael McGovern, who work with the goalies each day.