Brendan gives Sinisalo the gloves for Celtic’s Cup Final warm-up

The Great Dane made his return on Saturday 

The Finnish goalkeeper, who has stepped in admirably following Kasper Schmeichel’s injury on international duty with Denmark, was back on the bench against Hibernian on Saturday as the Great Dane made his return.

Kasper Schmeichel completed the full 90 minutes in the 3-1 win over the Hibees, producing an excellent save in the first half to deny Martin Boyle, although the Australian was later ruled offside.

“I’ve already named the team to the guys. They know the team for Wednesday.”

After last weekend’s encounter against David Gray’s men, Rodgers was questioned about whether Sinisalo would be reinstated to the lineup on Wednesday for the team’s trip to face Aberdeen. He said: “Yes, Vil [Sinisalo] will play. I’ve already named the team to the guys. They know the team for Wednesday.”

In his pre-match Hibs mainstream media conference, Rodgers acknowledged that he is keen to observe how young players handle challenging away fixtures. This could suggest significant changes are on the horizon at Pittodrie.

Rodgers believes the veteran’s injury may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise

The Celtic boss fielded nearly his strongest eleven against Hibernian and was thrilled to see Schmeichel back on the pitch. Indeed, Rodgers believes the veteran’s injury may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

‘He’s been brilliant for me all season’

Rodgers said: “He’s been out for a long time, but I think that him being out, the positive is that having the chance to see Vil [Sinisalo] now, and his authority, and going to the outbox, you see the calmness of him for such a young goalkeeper. We’ve really, really gained from that.”

“Kasper, I know in football there’s short memories, but not with me. He’s been brilliant for me all season, and it’s just nice to get in that field, see how he reacts with his shoulder over the course of the week, and then we can then look at it next week.”

Conor Spence

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