Celtic boss welcomes new competition in key position

The former England international joined Celtic this summer and is looking to make an immediate impact, with Viljami Sinisalo currently established as the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

O'Neill believes the challenge for the number one spot will benefit the Scottish champions. He said: "I think that's very important. Why should goalkeepers not have that sort of competition as much as anything else? There are outfield players who have it every time."

O'Neill pointed to Sinisalo's rise last season as evidence that goalkeepers must be ready to seize opportunities when they arrive. "It's a wee bit like about Sinisalo last season, coming in to take over from Kasper," he added.

"And he did remarkably well, so much so that Kasper, when he got fit, couldn't, or looked as if he was getting fit, didn't get back in again."

Johnstone has made it clear that he wants to be Celtic's number one, and O'Neill has praised his determination. "Yeah, that's really pleasing. I wouldn't want it any other way," he said.

"He's still young. It's not as if, let's say, he's 40 years of age and just waiting for the last contract. He wants to do well. It's not that long ago that he was involved with the England squad.

"So, yeah, he's determined."

O'Neill also revealed the new signing has made a strong early impression behind the scenes and expects him to feature as Celtic juggle domestic and European commitments. "He's looked really good in training," he said. "And at some stage or another, he will get into a game because it'll be necessary for him.

"We've got some European games coming up, but the most important game is tomorrow evening for us."