Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo is thriving in his new position as the club’s first-choice keeper after Kasper Schmeichel’s shoulder injury while away on international duty…
Earlier this week, manager Brendan Rodgers provided an update on the Denmark shotstopper, stating that the 38-year-old would be sidelined for about “five to six weeks,” although Schmeichel is determined to return sooner.
And this morning myself, representing The Celtic Star and a few other fan media sites spoke to Viljami Sinisalo in what is we reckon his first fan media conference since signing from Aston Villa for around £1m last summer. For your information, I was second up asking questions four, five and six and you can now watch the video below…
More on this fan media conference to follow on The Celtic Star
Injuries often create opportunities, and Finland international Sinisalo has embraced this chance to showcase his skills, making his league debut against Hearts last Saturday. Speaking to Celtic TV yesterday he remarked, “It’s been great.”
“When I heard the news about getting the games in, I was excited, and I’ve been working hard since the day I came to the football club to see when this opportunity arises, then do well and hopefully I can keep doing that.”
After making his official debut in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round during Celtic’s 5-0 victory over Raith Rovers in February, it marked a significant progression for the former Aston Villa and Exeter City goalkeeper, who has earned three international caps in his early career.
For the 23-year-old, his nerves didn’t affect his resolute mindset when he took to the field at Paradise. He stated: “Every footballer gets nervous, but not too much.”
“It’s not like I’ve never played football before”
“It was just fine, It’s not like I’ve never played football before. So, yes, fine, not too much. But it was nice to get a few actions early doors to kind of settle if there were any nerves. So, yes, not too much.”
“It’s fantastic [playing for Celtic]. Every time we walk out on the pitch, you feel it from the fans how big the football club is. It’s something I look forward to every weekend and midweek, whenever the game is. So, yes, it’s brilliant and hopefully, long may that continue.”
With his professional idol and teammate Schmeichel unavailable for the next month, Sinisalo now has the opportunity to solidify his role as Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper. As a result, he’s virtually guaranteed to start in goal against St Johnstone on Sunday afternoon.
“We’ll be pushing for another win that will hopefully bring us closer to the championship.”
Sinisalo emphasised the significance of Sunday’s Premiership encounter in Perth, even though Celtic’s opponents are at the bottom of the table. He said: “We’ll be pushing for another win that will hopefully bring us closer to the championship.”
Or maybe it actually will push St Johnstone closer to the championship!
“I’m sure the three points will follow.”
“Like I said, it’s about the next game. That’s what it always is for big football clubs. And that’s the most important game we’ve got now, St Johnstone away. So, we’ve got to make sure we put a performance in and take bits from especially the first half here and the performance on Saturday against Hearts. I’m sure the three points will follow.”
Conor Spence
