Denmark’s number 1 has struggled to find his form and has been guilty of some big goals conceded, and he sat on the bench while Sinisalo kept goal in Stuttgart on Thursday night. It is unclear if Schmeichel was simply resting along with other teammates or if Sinisalo now has the gloves to lose.

But Sutton wants to see his former boss show confidence in the Finland international for Sunday’s big game.

“Martin O’Neill also has to make some important decisions,” he said in the Daily log. Starting Viljami Sinisalo in goal is the first.

“For me it’s a no-brainer. Sinisalo had a solid performance in Germany. He made good saves, didn’t take unnecessary risks with the ball and was prepared to attack some crosses.

“He managed in Stuttgart and on Sunday he must be trusted again. It is not disrespectful to Kasper Schmeichel, but we must face the facts: the Dane has been responsible for too many goals this season.

“It’s hard for all of us to accept, but time waits for no one. If O’Neill brings him back and it cost him, he’ll be the one to take on the criticism.

“O’Neill might be tempted to stick with Schmeichel because of his vast experience, but Sinisalo is 24. He’s not young.

“O’Neill included David Marshall during our time, and he was a kid. He has to pick players based on their form alone and that’s why the Finnish goalkeeper should get the nod.”

Sutton also expressed his opinion on other selection dilemmas on the field.

Luke McCowan scored in Germany and could have forced his way into the team, and the Hoops hero reckons his running power will come in handy in midfield – even if it means a bold decision to drop top scorer Nygren. And he believes Dane Murray will start after his performance in the Europa League.

He continued: “Big decisions are needed all over the pitch. I think Dane Murray has probably forced his way into the team after his performance against Stuttgart.

“Luke McCowan must also be knocking on the door. Celtic will need legs in midfield, especially if Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Callum McGregor start as expected.

“McCowan has the energy and drive to provide it. That might make people wonder how Benjamin Nygren fits in.

“He doesn’t, is the answer. That could be tough on the top scorer and it will be difficult to let go of the main threat.

“But Celtic cannot afford to be outplayed in midfield at Ibrox and that could mean sacrifices have to be made.”

Junior Adama started ahead of Tomas Cvancara on Thursday night, but Sutton expects the latter to return to lead the line, while he wants to see Daizen Maeda play on the left against James Tavernier.

He added: “Up front, Junior Adamu played in Germany and did well for McCowan’s goal, but I expect Tomas Cvancara to start.

“The other one for me is Daizen Maeda. Well, it seems like he’s gotten his laces tied in front of goal at times this season.

“But this is a match in which he has had a lot of success, especially against James Tavernier.

“It looks like the Rangers captain will be recalled with Dujon Sterling struggling for fitness.

“And that means it has to be Maeda on the left flank. Sebastian Tounekti has had hot and cold moments, but it seems he can be more effective from the bench anyway.”