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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
[email protected] | Blair Meikle

Martin O'Neill refuses to answer Celtic goalkeeping question in TV interview

Martin O'Neill (Image: TNT Sports)

Martin O'Neill has refused to answer questions on his Celtic team selection on TNT Sports.

The Parkhead boss has made four changes to his side to face Ferencvaros in the Europa League, from the one that lost to Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup.

Viljami Sinisalo comes back in to replace Sam Johnstone in goals, while Oliver Sorensen, Haissem Hassan and James Forrest replace Benjamin Nygren, Sebastien Tounekti and Kasper Hogh in the XI.

It was the goalkeeping situation the manager was specifically asked about in his pre-match interview, and insisted he did not have to explain his decision making, and would tell fans his thoughts via Celtic TV.

He said: "No, I'll not talk to you about the thinking behind that one. Sinisalo was always going to play this game.

"Believe it or not, my job is not to explain every single decision to you, as much as you're going to ask and I'm delighted you are."

It was pointed out to O'Neill the Celtic fans would be asking the same question, he added: "I'll tell the fans through Celtic TV."


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What he did tell Celtic TV was: "I think, in terms of balancing things, there are one or two players who deserve an opportunity.

"For instance, James starts tonight. He has been an impact player for us and has been really terrific in that time. We have to give him a chance now to start a game.

"Will he last out the match? We do not know. He is 35 years of age, or whatever the case may be, but he has been a great player.

"There are a couple of things we have done tonight. Some players deserve to start in the side, James being one of them. Let us go and see how it goes."

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