If there is one selection dilemma that could shape Sunday’s Old Firm clash, it sits between the posts at Celtic Park.After Celtic’s 1-0 win over Stuttgart in Germany, attention has quickly turned to whether Martin O’Neill will stick with Kasper Schmeichel or hand Viljami Sinisalo the gloves at Ibrox. And if Pat Bonner’s view carries weight, Rangers captain James Tavernier might quietly be hoping the latter decision does not happen.
Sinisalo’s performance in Germany was one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise disappointing European exit. Celtic were already effectively out of the tie, trailing 4-1 from the first leg, but the young goalkeeper delivered a composed display, pulling off key saves and keeping a clean sheet away from home.Bonner did not hold back in his assessment.
“That’s a real positive,” said Bonner on BBC Radio Scotland (26/02/26). “He had some very, very good saves. He looked composed when he had the ball. Read the game well, and that is a real positive out of all this.
“Now it’s a big decision for Martin to make at the weekend. I would think, on that performance, he would start him, and also have a run in the team now to see how it goes.
“I thought he should have been given thegloves earlier in the season.”
Those words will not go unnoticed ahead of a derby that could tilt the title race. Tavernier and Rangers will believe they can expose weaknesses if Celtic falter — particularly given the scrutiny Schmeichel has faced in recent weeks. The experienced Dane has come under pressure, with supporters questioning whether it is time for a change.
Sinisalo’s assured showing has only intensified that debate.
Bonner has long argued the former Aston Villa goalkeeper should have been eased in earlier, building confidence before the pressure cooker of games likethis.
“Give him a run. Let him play when the pressure isn’t on, as early in the season. But build up his confidence. Build up his experience. Build up his decision-making. All the things that you want from a young goalkeeper.
“If then, he isn’t good enough, at least then, you are in a position to make a decision. But now they are almost desperate to get a goalkeeper who can actually play and play well. It’s a chance to put him in because he is inexperienced and young.”
For O’Neill, the complication may lie in what has already been said behind closed doors.“I don’t know what conversation Martin would have had with Kasper Schmeichel.
“Maybe he has talked to him and said, ‘We will leave you out tonight, and you are back in at the weekend.’
“If he has had that conversation. I am not sure what would happen. I am only surmising. Then he has to put him back in, then the pressure is back on Kasper, because of the performance of Sinisalo.”
And that is where the derby narrative sharpens.
If Schmeichel returns and the uncertainty lingers, Rangers will sense opportunity. If Sinisalo starts — fresh from a confident display in Germany — Celtic may gain the calm and assurance they have lacked at times this season.Tavernier will back his side at Ibrox regardless. But privately, he may be hoping O’Neill resists the temptation to unleash the in-form “gem” between the sticks. Because on current evidence, Sinisalo’s presence could make Sunday a far more uncomfortable afternoon for Rangers than they would like.