Schmeichel and Sinisalo Compete for Celtic Goalkeeper Role
Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo are currently vying to be Celtic's first-choice goalkeeper as the club pursues the Scottish Premiership title and Scottish Cup.
Joe Hart, Schmeichel's predecessor at Celtic, believes the Denmark international can still exert "a huge influence" on the team's success, even amid competition for the starting position.
However, Hart suggests Schmeichel may need to contribute off the pitch as Sinisalo, 24, has recently claimed the starting goalkeeper role.
Schmeichel, aged 39, faced scrutiny following Celtic's 4-1 home defeat to Stuttgart last month. Since then, Sinisalo has started the club's last three matches.
Manager Martin O'Neill defended Schmeichel ahead of Sunday's league draw against Rangers, explaining that the veteran keeper had been unwell.
Hart on Schmeichel's Experience and Influence
Hart, who secured seven trophies during his three-year tenure at Celtic before retiring, emphasized that challenges like this are part of a footballer's career.
"That's life," Hart told BBC Radio Scotland's The Saturday Show. "That's football.
He'll have been in it before. No one has a perfect career but I think it's important now that he's still a massive part of the squad.
You know, he still has a huge influence on the team. No getting away from it, whether he's on the field or not."
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Upcoming Matches and Manager's Perspective
Schmeichel is available for selection in Sunday's Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers. O'Neill has expressed satisfaction with Sinisalo's performances and noted the opportunity the Finnish goalkeeper has had to demonstrate his potential as the club's long-term first-choice keeper.
Opinions from Former Players
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has stated that O'Neill faces "an easy decision," asserting that despite Schmeichel's distinguished career, he "hasn't been good enough" this season.
Antti Niemi, who played for Rangers, Hearts, and Finland, praised Sinisalo's display at Ibrox, highlighting his ability to manage pressure in significant matches.
Hart on Schmeichel's Role Moving Forward
Hart anticipates that Schmeichel, whose contract expires at the end of the season, will still feature in some matches as Celtic pursue trophies in a challenging campaign. However, he doubts the Dane will immediately regain and maintain the starting position.
"I still think he'll have an important role to play in this title run-in and cup run-in," said Hart. "At the moment he's got a massive role to play for his football club.
Sometimes I've done it as well. Sometimes it's not on the pitch. Like I say, I still think he'll get some important game time, but... Sinisalo was excellent, he was excellent in Stuttgart.
I thought he had a really good, competent game on Sunday. They've got a really strong goalkeeping department, so I look forward to seeing how this one plays out."
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