"This is a football club that's really special to play for," Viljami Sinisalo

Viljami Sinisalo has made clear he hopes to star in this weekend’s Glasgow derby after producing an eye-catching performance against VfB Stuttgart in the Europa League last night…

Viljami Sinisalo of Celtic FC looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

Despite Martin O’Neill’s side being knocked out of the competition, the trip to Germany ended on a positive note as Celtic secured a 1-0 victory, with the Finnish goalkeeper playing a key role through a series of crucial saves at the MHP Arena.

Speaking after the match, the 24-year-old expressed his pride at representing the club and revealed that he is ready to play again if called upon for Sunday’s must-win against theRangers.

Sinisalo told TNT Sports: “This is a football club that’s really special to play for. Every time you get that chance, it’s a privilege. I’m buzzing to have got that chance to play; that’s what all footballers want to do.”

“It’s great to top it off with a win, even though it’s not got us through to the next round. There is a lot of belief we can take from that.”

The Finnish shot-stopper added: “Every footballer wants to play. That’s the whole point of me coming to the football club. I want to play; everyone does.”

“That’s what football is, or at least should be. The more chances you have, the better. I’m just glad I got that chance today. That’s all you can do, and then whatever follows is not necessarily up to me.”

Viljami Sinisalo of Celtic FC reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

Looking ahead to Sunday’s trip to Ibrox, Sinisalo said: “There’s another game coming up in three days’ time. If the manager decides to put me in, great. I’m ready for it. I want to play.”

“But that’s not my decision. All I can do is go out there, play as well as I can, and try my best, which I have always done for the football club and will keep doing. That’s the only thing I can focus on.”

Conor Spence

"If the manager decides to put me in, great" 🌟

After keeping a European clean sheet, Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo discusses his chances of keeping his shirt.

🎙️ @missconniemac | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/8lm3k8iNsp

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 26, 2026

🆕⏱️ Celtic now hold the European record for goals scored in the opening minute of UEFA competition

8⃣ They've done it eight times in their history, going on to win 7 of the 8 matches

5⃣ Five of the eight goals came under Jock Stein, including four across just two seasons! pic.twitter.com/KlY0ogTE8f

— Scotland’s Coefficient (@scotlandscoeff1) February 26, 2026