Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo is ‘set’ to make his Scottish Premiership debut this weekend against Hearts at Celtic Park…
Celtic Glasgow vs. Young Boys Bern YB – Celtic Park: Viljami Sinisalo Celtic Glasgow, Photo JOERAN STEINSIEK
The Finnish shotstopper signed with Celtic from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window. Since his move to Glasgow’s east end, Sinisalo has made just one appearance for Brendan Rodgers’ side, playing the full 90 minutes in a comfortable 5-0 victory against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup last month.
Schmeichel’s shoulder injury opens the door for Sinisalo
Amid doubts surrounding Kasper Schmeichel’s shoulder following an injury with Denmark against Portugal on international duties, Brendan Rodgers is set to give Sinisalo his first league start on Saturday, as Hearts visit the Scottish champions.
Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo 12 celebrates with his teammates after the friendly soccer match between Chelsea and Celtic on July 27, 2024, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: JUL 27 Chelsea vs Celtic
The 23-year-old was recently called up for international duty with Finland, but did not see any action as he remained an unused substitute in their World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Lithuania.
He is now poised to make his Scottish Premiership debut as Celtic aim to recover from their shock 3-2 loss to theRangers in the Glasgow Derby 10 days ago.
Brendan Rodgers on Sinisalo
Prior to Sinisalo’s debut for the Hoops at the start of February, Brendan Rodgers had nothing but praise for the goalkeeper: “Ville’s a great boy,” he said at his media conference at Lennoxtown.
Bergamo, Italy, 23rd October 2024. Viljami Sinisalo and Alistair Johnston of Celtic applaud the fans following the final whistle of during the UEFA Champions League match at Stadio di Bergamo, Bergamo. Photo Jonathan Moscrop / Sportimage
“He knew coming here, he’s got a real top-class goalkeeper to learn from. So, sometimes, you have to invest your time into learning. But we took him in. We’d seen him play. He’s obviously represented Finland as well. [He’s a] very, very talented young goalkeeper. He has come in, been patient, and understands the role at this point.”
Schmeichel update from Brendan Rodgers tomorrow
Supporters should find out the extend of Schmeichel’s injury when Rodgers speaks to the media tomorrow afternoon ahead of Saturday’s encounter versus the Jambos. But it’s clear that Viljami Sinisalo will be given the gloves this weekend for his Scottish Premiership debut.
Conor Spence
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