MUCH of the speak heading into right now’s large Rangers vs Celtic showdown was about who would begin in aim for the Hoops.
But when the crew information emerged, Kasper Schmeichel wasn’t even listed within the match day squad.
Schmeichel, 39, has been a mainstay as Celtic No1 since becoming a member of within the summer time in 2024.
But errors have crept into the Dane’s sport this season and with some regularity.
Many Celts followers have been calling for understudy Viljami Sinisalo to get his likelihood.
The Finland worldwide, 24, was put in to the beginning XI for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Stuttgart.
And the previous Aston Villa stopper impressed, pulling off a number of huge saves as the Hoops secured a 1-0 win on the night time – their first EVER win on German soil.
Sinisalo’s efficiency solely strengthened the sensation amongst many Celtic followers that he needs to be given the nod at Ibrox.
When the crew information broke an hour and quarter-hour earlier than kick-off, it WAS Sinisalo’s identify within the beginning XI.
But maybe much more intriguingly, Schmeichel was NOWHERE to be seen.
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The ex-Leicester man was a substitute on Thursday however this time round he wasn’t even within the squad.
Instead, third alternative Ross Doohan was named on the bench as Sinisalo’s again up.
While Sinisalo’s beginning place won’t have been an entire shock, Schmeichel’s complete absence from the squad definitely was.
Sky Sports reporter Luke Shanley revealed earlier than kick-off that in line with Hoops boss Martin O’Neill, Schmeichel was lacking resulting from sickness.
The Celtic supervisor then defined to Celtic TV: “Kasper was fairly poorly this morning as nicely, so we thought we’d depart proceedings right here.
“And actually in lots of features it was good that Sinisalo performed and performed very nicely on Thursday night.
“He has played here at Ibrox before and apparently he did pretty well so I’m pleased about that as well.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
