Celtic Goalkeeper Drama: Schmeichel Controversy & Sinisalo's Debut Showdown Against Hearts

Celtic's goalkeeping saga heats up as Schmeichel faces media controversy while Sinisalo prepares for debut in crucial Hearts clash.

Goalkeeping Controversy at Celtic Park

Denmark's Professional Footballers Association has demanded an apology from media outlets after Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel faced unjust criticism about his physical condition during international duty. Union representative Michael Sahl Hansen called the remarks "completely unacceptable" in an interview with Daily Record.

Rising Star Gets His Chance

With Schmeichel potentially sidelined by injury, 23-year-old Finnish keeper Viljami Sinisalo is set for his long-awaited Celtic debut this Saturday against Hearts. The young shot-stopper, who joined from Aston Villa last summer, has impressed coaches during training sessions.

Tactical Changes at Tynecastle

Hearts manager Steven Naismith welcomes back 26-year-old Australian midfielder Cammy Devlin for the Celtic Park encounter. Devlin's return could bolster Hearts' midfield presence against the league leaders.

International Break Highlights

  • Hibs duo Martin Boyle and Lewis Miller starred in Australia's 2-0 victory over China
  • Rangers loanee Vaclav Cerny scored for Czech Republic in their 4-0 rout of Gibraltar
  • Scotland U21s suffered humiliating 6-1 friendly defeat, prompting manager Scot Gemmill to promise "major changes"

Managerial Speculation Continues

Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson is reportedly being considered for Ibrox's permanent managerial role following his interim spell. Meanwhile, Dundee manager Tony Docherty expressed confidence in his squad ahead of their weekend Rangers clash.

Celtic FC training session Viljami Sinisalo during pre-match preparations (Credit: Celtic FC Official)

What This Means for the Premiership Race

This weekend's matches could prove pivotal in the Scottish Premiership title race, with Celtic looking to maintain their lead while Rangers face a tricky away fixture against Dundee. All eyes will be on Celtic Park to see if Sinisalo can handle the pressure of his first-team debut.

What to Read Next

Russell Martin's Debut as Rangers Manager: Key Insights and Future Prospects
Football

Russell Martin's Debut as Rangers Manager: Key Insights and Future Prospects

Russell Martin's first game as Rangers manager provided key insights into his strategies and the team's potential for the upcoming season.

Kieran Tierney Returns to Celtic: A Homecoming with No Fitness Doubts
Football

Kieran Tierney Returns to Celtic: A Homecoming with No Fitness Doubts

Kieran Tierney rejoins Celtic on a five-year deal, confident in his fitness and ready to contribute to the team's success.

West Ham's Emerson Palmieri Given Green Light to Depart Amid Squad Overhaul
Football

West Ham's Emerson Palmieri Given Green Light to Depart Amid Squad Overhaul

West Ham United has informed defender Emerson Palmieri he can leave the club as they prepare for the Premier League Summer Series with new signings.

Celtic and Rangers: The Road to Champions League Qualification 2025-26
Football

Celtic and Rangers: The Road to Champions League Qualification 2025-26

Discover how Celtic and Rangers aim to secure their spots in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League through intense qualifiers and strategic play.

Real Madrid Secures Alvaro Carreras in a £43m Deal from Benfica
Football

Real Madrid Secures Alvaro Carreras in a £43m Deal from Benfica

Real Madrid has officially signed Spanish defender Alvaro Carreras from Benfica in a £43m deal, marking a significant addition to their squad.

Hearts' Ambition for Silverware: McInnes Confident in Trophy Chase
Football

Hearts' Ambition for Silverware: McInnes Confident in Trophy Chase

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes believes his team is strong enough to win trophies this season, setting high ambitions for the Scottish League Cup and Premiership.

Celtic Park Bids Emotional Farewell to Lisbon Lion John Clark
Football

Celtic Park Bids Emotional Farewell to Lisbon Lion John Clark

Celtic Park hosted a heartfelt farewell for Lisbon Lion John Clark, celebrating his legendary career and contributions to Celtic FC.

West Ham United Secures Rising Star El Hadji Malick Diouf in a £19m Deal
Football

West Ham United Secures Rising Star El Hadji Malick Diouf in a £19m Deal

West Ham United has signed young Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19m, aiming to strengthen their squad for the upcoming Premier League season.

Everton's Pursuit of Tyler Dibling: Southampton Stands Firm Amid £27m Bid Rejection
Football

Everton's Pursuit of Tyler Dibling: Southampton Stands Firm Amid £27m Bid Rejection

Southampton has rejected Everton's £27m bid for young winger Tyler Dibling, as the Toffees aim to strengthen their squad this summer.

Manchester United's Strategic Move: Evaluating Hojlund's Future Amidst Sesko Transfer Rumors
Football

Manchester United's Strategic Move: Evaluating Hojlund's Future Amidst Sesko Transfer Rumors

Explore Manchester United's strategic decisions as they consider selling Rasmus Hojlund for £30m amidst transfer rumors for Benjamin Sesko, assessing the impact on their squad dynamics.

Celtic's Adam Idah Firm Amid Udinese Transfer Rumors: A Season of Promise Ahead
Football

Celtic's Adam Idah Firm Amid Udinese Transfer Rumors: A Season of Promise Ahead

Celtic's Adam Idah remains focused on the upcoming season despite Udinese's interest, as the club and player aim for a successful campaign in the Scottish Premiership.

Navigating Post-Brexit Transfers: The Rise of ESC and GBE in Football
Football

Navigating Post-Brexit Transfers: The Rise of ESC and GBE in Football

Explore how football clubs navigate the complexities of post-Brexit transfer regulations with insights into GBE and ESC systems.

Jadon Sancho Nears Juventus Transfer: Latest Football Transfer Gossip and Updates
Football

Jadon Sancho Nears Juventus Transfer: Latest Football Transfer Gossip and Updates

Jadon Sancho's move to Juventus is nearing completion, while Manchester United and Newcastle eye Randal Kolo Muani. Get the latest football transfer gossip and updates.

Wrexham's Ambitious Transfer Moves: Signing Conor Coady from Leicester City
Football

Wrexham's Ambitious Transfer Moves: Signing Conor Coady from Leicester City

Wrexham is making headlines with their ambitious transfer moves, including the signing of Conor Coady from Leicester City, as they prepare for their Championship return.

End of Old Firm Dominance: Tony Bloom's Vision for Scottish Football
Football

End of Old Firm Dominance: Tony Bloom's Vision for Scottish Football

Tony Bloom discusses his investment in Hearts and his vision to challenge the Old Firm dominance in Scottish football.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.