Outside Europe – Celtic now face a critical fortnight

Kasper Schmeichel (39 years old) was subject to intense scrutiny after a series of errors that culminated in a poor performance last week in a defeat at home to Stuttgart.

The 26-year-old Finn intervened and saved six balls, in a display that former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov described as “perfect”.

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner believes Sinisalo has done enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.

“He made some very good saves, looked calm when he had the ball and read the game well,” he told BBC Scotland Sportsound.

“It’s a big decision for Martin O’Neill to make at the weekend. Based on that performance, I’d start with him. Give him a chance in the team now.”

The Celtic boss agreed that several players had given him “food for thought”.

“[Sinisalo] I played brilliantly in the game, really well. “That’s the name that’s been around the dressing room. He’s got a lot of talent,” the 73-year-old said.

“Tonight, we made some changes. Some players stepped up but we didn’t play 16-year-olds… These boys played in the team and showed they can win games.

“It won’t be a headache… the choice.”