Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo is ‘set’ to make his Scottish Premiership debut this weekend against Hearts at Celtic Park…
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.
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.
“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
