Player Martin O'Neill said was 'great' against LASK is proving Celtic's transfer strategy right

Celtic star Viljami Sinisalo is proving why Martin O'Neill does not have to worry about signing a new starting goalkeeper. The notion was that the Bhoys needed to sign a new starter between the sticks this summer following Kasper Schmeichel's retirement.

Sinisalo did a good enough job late last season, but it still felt as though a more experienced keeper would be required amid hope of Champions League football, which now looks very likely.

Celtix beat LASK 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League playoff on Wednesday night, and Sinisalo certainly played his part. The 24-year-old had already done a good job in the first three games of the season, even though he hasn't been tested all that much. His most notable save came towards the end of the 1-0 win over Dundee, when he produced a big save to stop a header nestling in the bottom corner.

Sinisalo impresses against LASK

As Celtic look to sign a new goalkeeper, with Blackburn Rovers keeper Balazs Toth reportedly in talks with the club, Sinisalo proved himself again against LASK.

He notably produced a very good save low down early in the second half with the score at 2-0, and the game could have been very different had that gone in. Sinisalo was solid throughout, and his positioning was excellent, while his distribution looked much improved.

Hoops boss O'Neill acknowledged his display after the game, saying: "We had to be at it every single minute, overall we defended strongly. (Viljami) Sinisalo was great – he made a big save for us at 2-0. If it goes 2-1 they are in the ascendancy at that stage.”

It is not an easy job to be a goalkeeper who is not busy but then has to produce a big save, like Sinisalo did against LASK, but he keeps proving that he has the ability to play that role.

Make no bones about it, Celtic still need to sign a goalkeeper. They do not have enough depth at the position, and at a minimum, they need someone to challenge Sinisalo to keep him at the top of his game. That is the nature of the beast, but even if someone like Toth is signed, Sinisalo should be given a head start when it comes to keeping his place. He has earned it and is earning it with every appearance he adds to his Celtic record.

Immediately replacing him now would send the wrong message to this squad.