Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Wed 11 March 2026 9:54, UK

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Liam Scales’ praise of Viljami Sinisalo proves there is no way back for Kasper Schmeichel at Celtic.

The Dane was dropped from the starting XI in recent weeks after a series of terrible mistakes that cost Martin O’Neill’s side.

The goalkeeper had been the Hoops’ number one, but since Sinisalo came into the lineup, Schmeichel’s position in the team has taken a serious hit.

Now, Scales may have just ended the 39-year-old’s career in Glasgow in a damning admission after Celtic’s iconic Rangers victory.

Liam Scales: Viljami Sinisalo is a calming presence for Celtic

There is no question that in the games before Schmeichel was dropped, he was heavily costing Celtic.

The goalkeeper was making mistake after mistake and was failing to keep out simple shots.

While it was a surprise to many when Sinisalo came into the starting XI for the Stuttgart second leg tie, it is a decision that has proven to be fruitful for O’Neill.

Now, Scales has come out and praised the Finland international when speaking to The Celtic Way on 9 March.

🗣️ “Anybody who thinks that’s a good idea needs their heads examining.”

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill reacts to fan protests and backs goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel who was booed by his own supporters during a 4-1 defeat by Stuttgart in the Europa League ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/yP4na13pR9

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 19, 2026

“He’s so calm, he’s such a calming influence on the team,” Scales said of his keeper. “I said it to him after the game, I don’t think he knows how much of a relief it is when he comes out and collects a corner the way he does.

“It takes so much of that threat away. He was brilliant off his line. He came out and cleared a few ones that were dangerous, but it was over the top, things like that.

“He’s been brilliant. I think he hasn’t put a foot wrong and I’m really delighted for him.”

This save helped win us the game today.

Sinisalo 🇫🇮 pic.twitter.com/DLk6t7AYjb

— ジェームズ ⚡️ (@MaedaMealOfThat) March 4, 2026

While this praise of Sinisalo is deserved, it is damning for Schmeichel.

It proves that many of his teammates have lost faith in the Dane and suggest that they may not have confidence that he can command his own box.

If your backline does not have confidence in your ability, you are surely finished, and a departure from Celtic now seems inevitable for Schmeichel in the summer.

What does the future hold for Schmeichel at Celtic?

Football Insider previously reported that Celtic were eyeing a new goalkeeper to replace Schmeichel in the winter window.

While the club were unable to bring in a new keeper, it was clear that the Hoops wanted to replace the Dane as soon as possible.

Schmeichel’s contract is up in the summer, and he is believed to be picking up hefty wages.

Therefore, given his omission from the starting XI in recent weeks, it is likely that the goalkeeper will be released in the summer when his contract expires.

However, it remains to be seen if Celtic opt to stick with Sinisalo as their number one, or go in for a new keeper.