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Celtic cannot afford to become even more basic by making Sam Johnstone their number one

Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has issues with his distribution, and it is making the Bhoys even more basic than they already are.

By Jamie Kemble · The Celtic Bhoys

Published: Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 8:20 AM

Key Things to Know

Jamie Kemble argues Celtic should avoid making Sam Johnstone their primary goalkeeper over Viljami Sinisalo.
Kemble criticizes Johnstone's distribution and passing confidence as being too limited for Celtic's system.
Sinisalo provides better passing range and helps draw opposition pressure from the back, according to the writer.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Jamie Kemble argues that Celtic should not make Sam Johnstone their first-choice goalkeeper over Viljami Sinisalo due to distribution concerns. While Johnstone started Celtic's recent matches, including a league victory against Hibs, Kemble claims his limitations on the ball risk making the team's playing style even more basic under Martin O'Neill.

According to Kemble, Sinisalo is more capable of handling pressure and playing complex passes from the back than Johnstone. He points to Sinisalo's higher long-pass volume and willingness to draw opposition pressure as vital qualities for Celtic when breaking down defensive Scottish Premiership opponents.

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Celtic cannot afford to become even more basic by making Sam Johnstone their number one

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