Martin O’Neill has made a big call for today’s League Cup semi-final against Rangers, with Kasper Schmeichel starting in goal.
It’s a move that ends the rotation policy set in place by Brendan Rodgers earlier in the season.
Under Rodgers, Viljami Sinisalo had been trusted to start in domestic cup competitions, with the Finnish international given valuable minutes while Schmeichel handled league and European duties.
The arrangement was seen as a smart way to develop Sinisalo without unsettling the hierarchy between the posts.
However, O’Neill has opted for experience at Hampden, reinstating Schmeichel for the high-stakes derby.
It’s a tough decision for Sinisalo, who was superb when called upon last season and this.
He had earned plenty of praise for his professionalism and patience but with a place in December’s final on the line, O’Neill has gone with the tried and tested.
Elsewhere, O’Neill has made a few notable tweaks to his side following Wednesday night’s 4–0 win over Falkirk. Marcelo Saracchi keeps his place at left-back after impressing, while Johnny Kenny leads the line again after his brilliant brace midweek.
Daizen Maeda returns to the starting XI, bringing energy and pace on the flank, while James Forrest drops to the bench.
Celtic team vs Rangers:
Schmeichel, Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Saracchi, McGregor, Engels, Nygren, Maeda, Kenny, Tounekti.
Subs: Sinisalo, Balikwisha, Yang, Osmand, McCowan, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.
It’s a bold, attack-minded selection from O’Neill, who will be hoping to channel the momentum and intensity from midweek into one of the biggest games of Celtic’s season so far.
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