Martin O'Neill faces major Celtic decisions for Rangers as 24y/o fringe man tells him 'I'm ready'

The victory was not enough to keep Celtic in the Europa League, exiting the play-off phase 4-2 on aggregate, but after making eight alterations to his starting XI, O’Neill was given much to ponder by his players. One of main conundrums facing the 73-year-old is who keeps goal at Ibrox after an assured performance by Viljami Sinisalo.

The Finn made a number of smart saves at the MHPArena and with much scrutiny being placed on No 1 Kasper Schmeichel after some errors in recent weeks, Sinisalo put his hand up to start against Rangers. There was also an assured performance from 22-year-old centre-half Dane Murray and goalscorer Luke McCowan in midfield.

"The first leg got away from us and we gave away some soft goals, but tonight was a brilliant backs-to-the-wall performance,” said O’Neill. "We still had chances in the game, and almost gave them a nervy few minutes for what I consider a very good team, a team capable of winning this competition.

"Tonight, we made some changes. Some enforced, players stepped up to the plate but we didn't throw in two 16-year-olds. These boys have played in the team and have shown they're capable of winning games. [Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, really well. That's the name all round the dressing room. He's got plenty of talent.”

When asked if he has a selection headache on his hands, O’Neill responded: "It wouldn't be a headache - a selection choice. To go back tonight, it was terrific."

Sinisalo himself said afterwards that he is ready to play against Rangers if called upon despite having huge admiration for Schmeichel.

"I watched him when I was younger and he was one of the goalies I idolised when I grew up,” the 24-year-old shot-stopper said. "He's been brilliant with me and we've got a great working relationship, always have done. I'm there to help him and he's there to help me.

"I do want to play, everyone does. That's what football is and how it should be. The more chances you have the better, and I'm glad I got my chance today. Whatever follows is not up to me.

"It's another game coming up. If the manager decides to put me in, great, I'm ready for it. That's not my decision. I can only go out there and play my best."