Joe Hart appreciates the difficult situation now Kasper Schmeichel finds himself in but believes that the veteran Celtic goalkeeper will have a significant role to play as Celtic look to progress in the Scottish Cup tomorrow at Ibrox and go on to retain the Scottish Premiership trophy…
Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic looks dejected during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic FC and VfB Stuttgart at Celtic Park on February 19, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
The Denmark No.1 was culpable for a goal at Kilmarnock then two against VfB Stuttgart on the Europa league play-off at Celtic Park. Schmeichel then played in the next match, a 2-1 home defeat to Hibs before dropping out of the side through illness.
That opened the door for Viljami Sinisalo to take the gloves and after three impressive showings in the win in Stuttgart, the draw at Ibrox and the crucial victory over Aberdeen last Wednesday night.
Super save from Viljami Sinisalo. Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
That all adds up to the likelihood that tomorrow morning Martin O’Neill’s decision will become clear and everything points to Sinisalo keeping the gloves, with Schmeichel – back in training after an illness – being listed as a substitute.
“That’s life,” Hart told BBC Radio Scotland. “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.
“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.
Joe Hart and Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic ahead of kick-off Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock
“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.”
‘At the moment they’re in the trenches but it’s still all to play for’ 👊
Joe Hart previews the Scottish Cup Old Firm derby and speaks about Celtic’s season so far 🟢#BBCFootball #TheSaturdayShow pic.twitter.com/hUzqvJFdSf
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) March 6, 2026
Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order
