Martin O’Neill has explained his decision to bring Sam Johnstone into the Celtic starting XI for Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Celta Vigo.

The goalkeeper replaces Viljami Sinisalo in the only change from the side that beat Hearts 7-1 at Celtic Park on Sunday.

Catch up on Martin O'Neill's return as Celtic manager in full.

The Celtic boss made clear before kick-off that the decision was partly about keeping Johnstone involved, while also rewarding the wider team for their weekend performance.

Speaking to CelticPlayer, O’Neill said: “Yes, I think so.

“I think that the importance now for us, building on the second-half performance against Benfica, a really good performance against Hearts, we need some points and we have to try and win the game.

“So the side that is playing well at this minute, obviously scored a lot of goals on Sunday, just try and carry that on if it’s at all possible.”

Johnstone’s inclusion was the big talking point when the team dropped.

The former England international has had to wait for another chance, with Sinisalo starting more regularly in recent weeks.

O’Neill was asked directly whether it was important to give Johnstone minutes, especially with goalkeepers often finding them hard to come by.

He said: “Of course, this is the whole point.

“He’s a very fine goalkeeper. We’ve got the two goalkeepers there and it’s really to keep him involved.

“I think that’s important.

“And I think also to try and sample Celtic Park on a European evening.”

Johnstone now gets the chance to experience a European night at Celtic Park in a game Celtic badly need to win.

O’Neill was clear about the approach he wants from his players.

He added: “Let’s go for it.

“There’ll be moments in the match where we don’t have the ball, we just have to sit in and play accordingly.

“There’ll be times when we can close players down pretty well close to their goal.

“Let us go for it. That’s the most important thing.

“Just get on the front foot and attack tonight because the three points are up for grabs.”

O’Neill has put Johnstone back in for a European game where Celtic need composure, concentration and a result. Now the goalkeeper has the chance to justify the call.