With a Celtic rebuild on the horizon, it’s clear that several names are headed for the exit. Though one current star has been backed to stay long-term.
Defensive reinforcements, a midfield clearout, and quality in attack. There are areas all over the squad that will need to be identified this summer.
But it’s up to this team to end this season on a high note. A league and cup double is still a possibility during a season that has been turbulent all the way.
Some have been asked to step up in the absence of others, given how long and constant the injury list has been.
But sometimes that opportunity can be the making of a Celtic player, particularly as a goalkeeper.
Serving as backup means gametime is limited. You need to grab your chance whenever it may come and seize it. Otherwise, it may not come around again.
This campaign has been unique in that sense. When Kasper Schmeichel’s Celtic career was ruled over through a series of injuries, it opened a window for Viljami Sinisalo.
The Finland international arrived in 2024. The Hoops had a vision of him being the long-term successor to Schmeichel, but this season threw up that opportunity that every understudy dreams of.
Sinisalo has made 16 appearances so far this season, with the bulk of them coming since Schmeichel was sidelined in February.
He has rarely disappointed since.
Former Celtic and Scotland goalkeeper Alan Rough, who appeared at two World Cups, believes the Celts will have to delve into the goalkeeper market, but says Sinisalo deserves to keep his place in the team. He said (TCW):
“Celtic will need another goalkeeper, there’s no doubt about that, as backup. I think obviously next year there will be a lot of changes at Celtic, so I think one of them will be a goalkeeper.
“I don’t think they need to go out and get a recognised number one. They will go out and get somebody with a bit of quality.
“I think every Celtic supporter knows they need a lot of quality. But as far as a goalkeeper is concerned, I don’t think it’s a priority.”
At 24, Sinisalo is still a young goalkeeper. Rough believes he has what it takes to be the Hoops’ number one in the long run, but says that playing for Celtic is a different level altogether.
“I think he’s been impressive. He’s still got a wee bit to go.
“He’s still got a wee couple of flaws here and there, like the one at the weekend where he comes out and punches when he doesn’t really need to.
“He’s still relatively young, and obviously the more games he gets, the better he’ll get.
“Could he be Celtic’s goalkeeper for the next five years? He could be, yes. It’s all up to him.
“You see a lot of players coming from other teams, whether it’s Hibs, Hearts, whatever, and they’re the star man at their place. But then when you go into Rangers and Celtic, it’s a different level.
“It’s a really different level. You’ve not only got to be good at what you do, but you’ve got to have the mentality to get you through it.”
The goalkeeper market is one Celtic will certainly be looking at ahead of next season. It may be the loneliest position on the pitch, but having that competition for the gloves can only be healthy.
It remains to be seen what profile they will aim for. The last two number ones, Schmeichel and Joe Hart, have been experienced heads who would offer two or three years between the sticks.
Sinisalo deserves to begin the 26/27 campaign as the first choice. Though football can be a cutthroat business at the elite level.
The 24-year-old has shown glimpses of quality and commits to match that energy. It is now up to him to continue to match that on the pitch.
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