Martin O’Neill made clear decisions in his team and squad selection for the Home Firm clash between Celtic and Rangers. Kasper Schmeichel and Kelechi Iheanacho were both absent from the squad.
A drop in form for both, looks to be some of the reasons for this happening. Schmeichel had reported illness in front of the game, but still he could have been dropped. The move to bring in Viljami Sinisalo was of course clear when Schmeichel was not available, but all in all, it could be the end. Before this special clash Schmeichel has been under pressure from fans for certain errors. It offers an interesting perspective from a Leicester point of view.
Martin O’Neill an iconic figure at this football club in the start of the millennium. Kasper Schmeichel and Kelechi Iheanacho both being involved in iconic happenings five to ten years ago. Now they are all together at Celtic, but crucial decision making at a higher level could see them all gone in the summer.
It is sad to see this happen. However, it is a decision from Martin O’Neill looking for the future. He is not being nostalgic in any way as he prepares his Celtic team for a new era. He himself has as Kasper and Kelechi no contract with Celtic after this season.
Denmark is not yet qualified for the 2026 World Cup. However, they will take part in the play-off qualification games in the late days of March. This situation might be a problem. Kasper Schmeichel being the certain first choice for Denmark not getting any game time towards the end of the season.
BREAKING: Celtic star missing from Old Firm squad amid fan unrest as reason why revealedhttps://t.co/r7yyUIQCSq
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 1, 2026
Kelechi Iheanacho has appeared frequently under Martin O’Neill, but today together with Kasper Schmeichel left out of the squad. That looks dramatic as the two are proven professionals still with something to offer.
Celtic are currently third in the Scottish Premiership. They are out of Europe after being defeated by Stuttgart over two games, but still managed to win 1-0 away in that final game of their journey. Finish international Viljami Sinisalo took his chance with some special saves in that 1-0 win. He kept his place for the clash today with Rangers, ending in a 2-2 draw.
It is interesting to see what happens in the final games of the season. Celtic still has a number of specials to fight for. They are still chasing the top spot in the league. They are also up against Rangers in the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup. They reached the final of the Scottish League Cup but had to see defeat vs. St. Mirren.
Kasper Schmeichel and Kelechi Iheanacho were both in the line-up in that League Cup final. It must be a worry to see them both dropped. They were not involved in this vital league clash today vs. Rangers.
Leave a Reply