Charlie Mulgrew raises fresh Celtic goalkeeper concerns after Benfica defeat

Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew believes the club’s goalkeeping situation remains unresolved following their disappointing European defeat to Benfica.

Viljami Sinisalo returned to the starting line-up after Sam Johnstone struggled during Celtic’s League Cup defeat to Rangers at Ibrox, prompting Martin O’Neill to make another change between the posts.

However, Celtic suffered a second consecutive Europa League defeat, losing 4-1 to Benfica and leaving themselves with a difficult challenge in their bid to progress from the league phase.

The result also brought renewed scrutiny on Sinisalo, with supporters questioning whether the Finnish goalkeeper has done enough to establish himself as Celtic’s first-choice option.

Alexander Bah helped Benfica establish a two-goal advantage, with Sinisalo unable to prevent either effort from finding the net. Jhon Duran then added a third, completing his brace with a close-range finish that went through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Those incidents have intensified the debate over Celtic’s goalkeeping options, and Mulgrew believes Sinisalo has yet to demonstrate the consistency required to secure the number-one position.

Speaking during Premier Sports Ireland’s post-match coverage, the former Hoops defender said: “Sinisalo, for me… still scratching for a number one.”

Mulgrew also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the position, pointing to Johnstone’s brief spell in the team before Sinisalo was restored to the starting XI.

“Johnstone’s came in, had a bad time at Ibrox then came out of the team; Sinisalo back in,” he added.

The former Celtic star was particularly critical of Sinisalo’s performances in European competition, suggesting the goalkeeper has not produced enough important saves when his side have needed him.

“But continually in Europe, for me, Sinisalo doesn’t make the necessary saves,” Mulgrew said.

His comments reflect wider concerns about Celtic’s ability to compete at the highest level. Mulgrew also questioned whether O’Neill has identified his strongest starting XI, with weaknesses across several areas of the team contributing to their struggles against European opposition.

The goalkeeping debate is unlikely to disappear quickly, particularly with Celtic searching for greater consistency after a difficult run of results.

Johnstone could yet be given another opportunity to reclaim his place, although changing the goalkeeper alone may not address the broader defensive and midfield issues that have troubled the Scottish champions.

For now, Sinisalo remains under pressure to prove he can deliver the performances required to become Celtic’s undisputed first choice.