Celtic player ratings: Sinisalo boosts No.1 status, while a £5m misfit is written off after Sporting defeat.

Sporting Expose Celtic Weaknesses in Portugal

Celtic concluded their pre-season training camp in Portugal with a disappointing 4-1 defeat against Sporting CP, a result that highlighted several areas Martin O’Neill still needs to address before the competitive campaign begins.

The Scottish champions were comprehensively outplayed by the Portuguese giants at the Estádio Algarve, with Sporting producing a devastating second-half display that overwhelmed the Hoops after an evenly contested opening period.

Although the final scoreline looked emphatic, the defeat came after an intense week of double training sessions in the Algarve heat. Fitness and preparation remain the priority at this stage of pre-season, meaning the result itself is unlikely to cause major concern inside the Celtic camp.

Supporters searching for positives were at least given one encouraging moment when summer signing Camilo Duran scored on his unofficial debut. The Colombian striker needed only minutes to announce himself, earning praise from Martin O’Neill, who even compared his relentless style of pressing to Daizen Maeda.

While Duran’s impact offered encouragement, several senior players struggled throughout the evening, reinforcing the need for further additions before the season gets underway.

Viljami Sinisalo – 7/10

Viljami Sinisalo produced one of the brightest individual displays despite conceding four goals.

The Finnish goalkeeper, who has been entrusted with Celtic’s number one jersey this season, had little chance with most of Sporting’s goals and instead prevented the defeat from becoming even heavier.

Early in the contest he reacted sharply to deny Ricardo Mangas during a one-on-one opportunity, producing an excellent save that kept Celtic level.

Later in the first half he was once again exposed when Geny burst through the defence, although the Sporting winger dragged his effort wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Sinisalo eventually conceded after Gabriel Silva’s dangerous cut-back found its target from close range, leaving him with virtually no opportunity to intervene.

Shortly after the restart he demonstrated his quality again by making another impressive stop to deny Silva after Cameron Carter-Vickers had been beaten for pace.

Throughout his time on the pitch, Sinisalo remained composed and made several important interventions before being replaced midway through the second half.

His performance strengthened the belief that he is ready to become Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Colby Donovan – 4/10

Teenage right-back Colby Donovan endured a difficult examination against experienced opposition.

The 19-year-old was frequently tested by Sporting full-back Ricardo Mangas and occasionally struggled to cope with the speed and movement on his side of the pitch.

Although Donovan attempted to support attacks by pushing forward into promising positions during the opening half, his final delivery often lacked the quality required to create meaningful chances.

Defensively he found life considerably tougher, with Sporting repeatedly targeting his flank.

Despite those difficulties, he remained on the field until the closing stages before finally making way after Sporting had established complete control of the match.

The experience should prove valuable for the young defender despite the disappointing evening.

Cameron Carter-Vickers – 4/10

Returning from a lengthy Achilles injury, Cameron Carter-Vickers looked understandably short of his usual sharpness.

Normally one of Celtic’s most dependable performers, the American defender struggled to match Sporting’s pace and intensity.

He was caught badly out of position when Gabriel Silva accelerated beyond him before supplying the cross that allowed Geny to score the opening goal.

For a player who has built his reputation on strength, anticipation, and positioning, it was an unusual moment.

Following such a lengthy absence, some rustiness was always expected, but Martin O’Neill will undoubtedly hope Carter-Vickers quickly regains both fitness and confidence before competitive fixtures begin.

His display suggested there is still work to do before he reaches his previous standards.

Dane Murray – 4/10

Dane Murray’s evening proved equally challenging.

The towering defender appears set to begin the season as Celtic’s fourth-choice centre-back, although his physical presence continues to offer useful height inside both penalty areas.

Alongside Liam Scales, Murray often looked uncertain as Sporting increased the tempo.

He became particularly unfortunate during Sporting’s second goal when Ross Doohan’s poor clearance struck him before falling kindly for Daniel Bragança to score into an empty net.

The incident summed up an unlucky night for the defender.

Later in the game Murray also received a painful knock before remaining on the pitch as Sporting added two more goals.

Despite Celtic making numerous substitutions, Murray completed the full ninety minutes.

Liam Scales – 4/10

Liam Scales once again found himself filling an unfamiliar role at left-back.

With Kieran Tierney unavailable, O’Neill shifted the Irish defender away from his preferred central position.

Unfortunately, the experiment brought back uncomfortable memories for supporters, as Scales endured a difficult evening against the pace and trickery of Sporting winger Geny.

Repeatedly isolated, Scales struggled to cope with the Mozambican international’s direct running.

His difficulties also highlighted Celtic’s current shortage of natural left-backs.

The club continues pursuing Marcelo Saracchi, and this performance underlined why strengthening that position remains a priority.

Beyond Scales, Adam Montgomery is currently the only other senior option available.

Callum McGregor – 5/10

Club captain Callum McGregor continued to lead Celtic despite ongoing transfer speculation surrounding his future.

Operating at the base of midfield for the opening hour, the experienced midfielder attempted to maintain control and keep possession moving.

Although he performed his usual organisational role, there were signs of fatigue after an intense week of physical training.

Whether McGregor remains at Celtic or eventually departs, the club must soon prepare for life beyond one of its most influential players.

At 33 years old, succession planning will inevitably become increasingly important.

He was eventually substituted as O’Neill rotated his squad.

Paulo Bernardo – 4/10

Paulo Bernardo was handed another opportunity to impress but failed to make the most of it.

With speculation continuing over the futures of Reo Hatate and Arne Engels, the Portuguese midfielder has a genuine opportunity to establish himself.

However, his latest performance did little to strengthen his case.

Bernardo was careless in possession on several occasions, surrendering the ball too easily in dangerous areas.

His best contribution arrived when a shot following a corner was cleared off the goal line.

Apart from that isolated moment, he struggled to influence proceedings and was replaced at half-time.

His long-term future at Celtic now appears increasingly uncertain.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha – 3/10

Michel-Ange Balikwisha endured another frustrating outing.

The Belgian attacker cost around £5 million but has yet to establish himself since arriving in Glasgow.

Having started only once under Martin O’Neill last season, he was surprisingly handed consecutive starts during pre-season.

Deployed in his preferred number ten role behind lone striker Callum Osmand, Balikwisha was given an ideal opportunity to demonstrate his creativity.

Instead, he once again struggled to link play effectively.

He rarely influenced attacks, drifted in and out of the game, and failed to provide the spark Celtic required.

Substituted at half-time, Balikwisha increasingly appears surplus to requirements.

James Forrest – 5/10

Veteran winger James Forrest produced a respectable display.

Having recently celebrated his 35th birthday, the club legend still demonstrated that he retains useful pace and intelligent movement.

On several occasions Forrest timed his runs well to get behind Sporting’s defensive line.

He also delivered dangerous cut-backs into the penalty area for both Callum Osmand and Paulo Bernardo.

Although Hyun-jun Yang has yet to return following international duty, Forrest’s performance suggested he remains capable of contributing this season.

Unless further attacking reinforcements arrive, he could even start Celtic’s opening competitive fixture.

Callum Osmand – 5/10

Young striker Callum Osmand led the line from the opening whistle.

Already remembered by supporters for scoring the title-winning goal against Hearts, the youngster worked tirelessly throughout his time on the pitch.

Unfortunately, service remained extremely limited.

Osmand constantly chased defenders, pressed aggressively, and never stopped running.

However, he was frequently isolated against Sporting’s defence and received little meaningful support.

Although he failed to score, his work ethic remained impressive before making way for Camilo Duran.

Luke McCowan – 4/10

Luke McCowan began the match on the right wing rather than in his preferred central midfield role.

The former Dundee player has shown versatility throughout his career, including earlier spells on the flank with Ayr United.

However, he remains more comfortable operating through the middle.

McCowan missed Celtic’s best opportunity to equalise when he fired wide from close range after finding space inside the box.

Despite his versatility and willingness to adapt, he is likely to continue serving primarily as an important squad player following his recent contract extension.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 3/10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his first appearance since returning to Celtic on a new one-year contract.

The former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder understandably looked short of full match fitness.

He struggled to establish any rhythm after entering the contest and found it difficult to influence proceedings.

While there were occasional glimpses of his technical ability, he remains some distance away from peak condition.

Arne Engels – 3/10

Arne Engels replaced Bernardo at the beginning of the second half.

The highly rated midfielder continues attracting strong interest from Nottingham Forest, with speculation over his future refusing to disappear.

After entering the match, Engels inherited the captain’s armband following McGregor’s substitution.

Unfortunately, he was unable to halt Sporting’s growing dominance.

Like many teammates, he found himself overwhelmed during the Portuguese side’s devastating second-half spell and failed to produce any memorable contributions.

Ross Doohan – 2/10

Ross Doohan experienced an extremely difficult cameo.

The substitute goalkeeper immediately looked uncomfortable after replacing Sinisalo.

His first distribution was poor, immediately increasing pressure on the Celtic defence.

Soon afterwards, his attempted clearance struck Dane Murray before falling perfectly for Daniel Bragança to score into an empty goal.

Doohan then made an initial save from close range but could not prevent Ricardo Mangas from converting the rebound.

Sporting added another goal before the final whistle, completing a night the goalkeeper will quickly want to forget.

Maik Nawrocki – 3/10

Maik Nawrocki replaced Carter-Vickers during the second half but made little impact.

Physically imposing and strong in aerial situations, the Polish defender nevertheless appears unlikely to climb the defensive hierarchy.

His future increasingly seems likely to lie away from Parkhead.

Adam Montgomery – 2/10

Adam Montgomery entered at left-back but struggled badly.

Now approaching his 24th birthday, the academy graduate desperately needs regular first-team football.

Sporting repeatedly attacked his side after his introduction, exposing his defensive shortcomings.

He found himself beaten on multiple occasions as the Portuguese side continued creating chances.

Liam Kennedy – 2/10

Seventeen-year-old Liam Kennedy received another valuable senior opportunity.

Highly regarded by Celtic’s coaching staff after signing his first professional contract last year, the midfielder possesses an impressive physical frame.

However, the youngster spent much of his appearance chasing possession as Sporting dominated the ball.

It was a difficult environment in which to make an impression.

Sean McArdle – 2/10

Sean McArdle once again featured on the right wing despite naturally preferring a central midfield role.

The promising youngster struggled to become involved as Sporting controlled possession throughout the closing stages.

His opportunities to influence attacks remained extremely limited.

Thomas Hatton – 2/10

Thomas Hatton impressed supporters during Celtic’s previous friendly in Dublin.

Against Sporting, however, circumstances proved far more difficult.

Instead of attacking regularly, the versatile winger found himself pinned deep inside his own half as Sporting launched wave after wave of pressure.

He was unable to replicate his earlier performances.

Camilo Duran – 5/10

Camilo Duran required only five minutes to introduce himself to Celtic supporters.

The Colombian striker immediately showcased his pressing ability by stealing possession from Sporting captain Eduardo Quaresma before calmly finishing from close range.

His energetic approach and determination earned immediate rewards.

Scoring on an unofficial debut will undoubtedly boost both his confidence and excitement ahead of the new season.

It was comfortably Celtic’s brightest attacking moment of the evening.

Francis Turley – 2/10

Francis Turley entered late in the match at right-back.

Although his appearance was brief, he helped Celtic steady themselves after Sporting’s burst of goals.

The youngster ensured the visitors avoided conceding further during the closing minutes.

Overall Assessment

The defeat ultimately served as another reminder that Celtic remain a work in progress heading into the new campaign.

Sinisalo enhanced his credentials as the club’s new first-choice goalkeeper, while Camilo Duran produced an encouraging debut by finding the net almost immediately after coming on.

Elsewhere, several senior players struggled badly, defensive weaknesses were repeatedly exposed, and the lack of depth in key positions became increasingly obvious.

Martin O’Neill will undoubtedly view the result as part of the learning process following an exhausting training camp, but the performance reinforced the importance of strengthening several areas of the squad before competitive football begins.