Chris Sutton has questioned Martin O’Neill’s decision to keep Kasper Schmeichel in goal against Hibernian. The debate came days after the 4-1 defeat to Stuttgart, when Schmeichel faced heavy criticism from sections of the support.

The goalkeeper had been under pressure following the Europa League defeat. Some felt he was slow to react to the opening goal and too easily beaten later in the game. There were calls for Viljami Sinisalo to step in for the league match with Hibs.

O’Neill stuck with experience. He named Schmeichel in the starting side at Celtic Park on Sunday. It was a show of faith in a keeper who has played at the highest level and handled big games throughout his career.

Sutton was not convinced that was the right call. Speaking alongside Robbie Savage, the former Celtic striker said the focus on Schmeichel alone missed a wider issue, but he still felt a change should have been made for that fixture.

He said: (BBC Radio 5 Live), “Is he (Schmeichel) the only one, though? (that needs to be looked at). That’s what I would say.

“Schmeichel is getting singled out. I agree, I think Sinisalo should have got the nod against Hibernian. Can I just say that I think Schmeichel has been a brilliant keeper. He has had a great career. Top, top goalkeeper.”

Savage would then ask: “What are you saying that Martin O’Neill got it wrong against Hibernian?”

To which Sutton responded: “Yeah.”

Sutton wasn’t sitting on the fence. He rates Schmeichel’s career and what he has done in the game, but he also thinks current form counts. After a night like Stuttgart, some managers change the goalkeeper just to clear the air.

Hibs came out with energy and tried to get at Celtic early on. They closed space quickly and forced the ball back toward their own box.

O’Neill went the other way. He stuck with the experienced option. Managers tend to lean on trusted players when things get tense.

Now it comes down to how Schmeichel reacts and whether the focus on his place in the side fades or grows in the coming games.