Brendan Rodgers has revealed his goalkeeping selections for Celtic’s upcoming Premiership fixtures, with Kasper Schmeichel making a surprise return to the starting XI for today’s match against Hibernian. The veteran Dane, who has been sidelined in recent weeks, was brought back into the side despite Viljami Sinisalo’s solid form during his absence.
Rodgers explained his decision before the match and made it clear how the goalkeeping position will be managed over the next week.
He said: (BBC Sport), “Yeah, I think he’s (Schmeichel) come through really well. Vil has done fantastic. Indirectly he’s had that run and it gives us a chance to see him, and thought that he’s been excellent.
“So Vil will play Wednesday night away at Aberdeen. We just wanted to get Kasper in (against Hibs).
“Sometimes in football there are short memories, but thankfully as a manager I know how good he has been for me virtually all season.
“So he (Schmeichel) will play for me today, he will play next week against St Mirren and Vil will play against Aberdeen. But great to have him back.”
This decision might give a clue about what Rodgers is thinking as the season comes to an end. With the Scottish Cup final fast approaching, both goalkeepers are battling to be first choice.
Rodgers didn’t say who will start that game, so both still have a chance to prove themselves in the next two matches.
The next few games will be important in deciding who starts the final, with Schmeichel and Sinisalo both under the spotlight. They’ve both turned out to be excellent summer signings – something that’s rare when two goalkeepers are brought in during the same window.
