Pat Bonner On the One Celtic Player Ready for Ibrox

Celtic have a big decision to make ahead of Ibrox, and Pat Bonner doesn’t think it should be a difficult one.

Viljami Sinisalo’s display in the 1-0 win over Stuttgart has forced the issue.

The former Celtic goalkeeper was speaking after the Hoops secured their first-ever victory on German soil. It was a controlled, disciplined performance, but it needed a steady hand behind it.

Sinisalo provided that. He made important saves at key moments, stayed calm under pressure and looked comfortable with the ball at his feet. For a player who has had to wait for his chance, there was no sign of nerves.

Bonner did not dance around it. He said (BBC Sportsound):

“It’s a big decision for Martin O’Neill to make at the weekend. On that performance, I would be starting him. Give him a run in the team now.

“I would think, on that performance, he would start him, and also have a run in the team now to see how it goes.

“He had some very good saves and looked composed when he had the ball and read the game well.

“I thought he should have been given the gloves earlier in the season.”

That is not faint praise. That is a former Celtic number one saying the gloves should change hands.

The Ibrox trip sharpens everything. There is no hiding place there for a goalkeeper. Cross balls, shots from distance, chaos in the box. You either deal with it, or you don’t.

Sinisalo looked ready in Stuttgart.

Kasper Schmeichel’s position has been under scrutiny for weeks. Not because of one howler, but because the certainty has not been there. Celtic need certainty now.

This is not just about one derby. It is about the run-in.

If Sinisalo has shown he can handle a European away tie, he’s ready for Ibrox. Dropping him now would send a strange message.

Bonner’s view will resonate with supporters who watched that performance. The Finn did not look like a deputy. He looked like a Celtic goalkeeper.

The decision now sits with Martin O’Neill. It is a big one.