Chris Sutton Backs Sinisalo to Start as Joe Hart Name Appears in Debate
Celtic’s summer‑to‑spring selection headache sharpened after the club’s European campaign ended on February 26, 2026, and Chris Sutton says Viljami Sinisalo should start as Kasper Schmeichel recovers from a mysterious illness; Joe Hart is referenced in fan discussion. Sutton’s call lands ahead of a midweek trip to Aberdeen and a big cup tie on Sunday.
Joe Hart Mentioned as Sutton Argues for Viljami Sinisalo, 24, Between the Posts
Chris Sutton argues that Viljami Sinisalo, 24, “produced a solid performance in Germany” and should keep the gloves after playing in the return leg at Stuttgart. Sutton dropped Benjamin Nygren from his preferred XI and singled out Sinisalo’s handling, saying he “didn’t take any unnecessary risks with the ball and was prepared to come for some crosses. ”
Why Now: Kasper Schmeichel, 39, Sidelined and European Exit on February 26, 2026
Martin O’Neill faces the decision because Kasper Schmeichel, 39, is “still not feeling great” with a mysterious illness and missed the recent matchday squad, while Celtic’s exit after a 4-2 aggregate defeat — sealed in the Stuttgart return leg on February 26, 2026 — has left the manager short of margin for error. Those developments triggered Sutton’s timing: form and availability have changed precisely now.
Selection Shifts: Dane Murray, Luke McCowan and Benjamin Nygren Named in Debate
Sutton also flagged midfield and attacking calls, saying Dane Murray has “probably played his way into the side” after his Europa League showing and that Luke McCowan’s running power could displace the top scorer, Benjamin Nygren. He argued Celtic will need legs in midfield if Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain and Callum McGregor start, pressing that McCowan’s energy is a tactical fit.
Still, Sutton acknowledged the difficulty of dropping the club’s primary threat and warned that Martin O’Neill would “cop the flak” if a selection gamble backfired. That warning frames the manager’s choice between experience and current form.
O’Neill’s Position: Schmeichel’s Recovery and Sinisalo’s Chance to Cement the Role
Martin O’Neill has kept faith in Schmeichel’s experience but accepts that Sinisalo’s recent games offer a chance to stake a claim; Sinisalo impressed in both matches he played and will start this evening. O’Neill said Schmeichel wants first‑team football as he pursues international goals, but club needs will drive selection decisions for the run of fixtures ahead.
Yet Celtic’s immediate schedule — a trip to Aberdeen on Wednesday and the Scottish Cup quarter‑final at Ibrox on Sunday — compresses time for changes and heightens the stakes of any goalkeeper decision.
Joe Hart has surfaced in fan conversations comparing goalkeeper careers and form, but Sutton’s focus remained squarely on Sinisalo’s readiness and Schmeichel’s current fitness problems.
For now, Viljami Sinisalo will keep the gloves; if he produces another solid performance in the Aberdeen match, he is expected to retain the starting spot for Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter‑final at Ibrox.
