Martin O’Neill shares Celtic star’s response after surprise omission

Martin O’Neill has revealed how Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo has responded after being replaced by Sam Johnstone for the Old Firm clash against Rangers.

O’Neill faced questions over his decision to select the Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee ahead of Sinisalo for Sunday’s trip to Ibrox, where Celtic suffered a 3-0 defeat.

Johnstone endured a difficult afternoon, but O’Neill believes the experience could ultimately benefit the former England international. The Celtic manager also made it clear that the competition for the starting goalkeeper position remains open.

“I wanted him to experience that match at Ibrox,” O’Neill explained. “This lad has played a lot of football, he was fourth choice for England not so long ago.

“But sometimes you haven’t experienced this and you have to go through that.”

The Celtic boss insisted Sinisalo has also continued to impress despite losing his place.

“Sinisalo has done exceptionally well for us,” O’Neill said. “When you have two, and one doesn’t play, then it becomes problematic in many aspects. But we haven’t reached that stage.

“In training, Vil wants to be it. He wants to be the man. His training has been really good.”

O’Neill acknowledged the challenge managers face when trying to keep two goalkeepers competing for the same position satisfied, but insisted Celtic have not yet reached a difficult situation.

“That’s the problem with goalkeeping, as loads of managers have found out,” he said.

“At some stage or another, one will probably take over.”

With Celtic now preparing for their Europa League meeting with Ferencvaros, O’Neill has confirmed that neither Johnstone nor Sinisalo has secured the number one position, leaving the goalkeeper battle wide open.