Martin O’Neill Drops Hint Over Celtic Goalkeeper for Ibrox

Martin O’Neill is keeping his Celtic goalkeeper decision under wraps ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Rangers.

Sam Johnstone impressed on his Hoops debut in Wednesday night’s 1-0 win over St Johnstone, keeping a clean sheet and making a crucial first-half save at McDiarmid Park.

That performance has sparked a fresh debate over whether the 33-year-old should retain his place at Ibrox or whether Viljami Sinisalo should return after starting Celtic’s opening five Premiership matches.

O’Neill, though, is giving nothing away.

Asked whether Johnstone is now his number one and if he expects him to start on Sunday, the Celtic boss said: (Celtic FC YouTube), “I haven’t made my mind up at all.

“I thought he did very well. Again, it was a matter of we need to get a look at what Sam can do.

“I think it’s great to have the two of them. I think Viljami Sinisalo has done exceptionally well for us.

“And it was just, again, an opportunity to see what Sam can do now, what he could do a couple of years ago was fantastic, what he can do now might be a totally different picture.”

That leaves the door open for both goalkeepers ahead of one of Celtic’s biggest games of the season so far.

Johnstone could hardly have done more with his first chance to impress, while Sinisalo has already put together a solid run in the side this season.

O’Neill was then asked when he planned to make the final call.

His response brought a smile.

“Honestly, I will let them know personally.

“If you give me your number, I will tell you on Sunday morning.”

The decision now looks set to remain private until the teams are announced at Ibrox.

Johnstone has certainly given O’Neill something to think about after his debut, but Sinisalo’s form means there is no straightforward answer.

Whoever gets the gloves on Sunday will be handed a major responsibility in a knockout derby with a place at Hampden on the line.