Viljami Sinisalo’s recent run in the Celtic side has not gone unnoticed by those who worked with him before his move to Glasgow.
Exeter City goalkeeper coach Kevin Miller has backed the Finnish international to thrive at Celtic after seeing his early impact in green and white.
Sinisalo spent the 2023/24 season on loan with the League One side from Aston Villa. He played 50 games in all competitions and quickly established himself as a reliable presence.
His performances in England helped earn a move to Celtic in July 2024.
Game time has not always come easily since arriving. Kasper Schmeichel has been the established number one and Sinisalo has largely had to wait for opportunities.
Now, that chance appears to have arrived at a crucial stage of the season.
Miller, who enjoyed a 750-game playing career across the English leagues with clubs including Crystal Palace and Watford, believes the Finn has been building towards this moment. He said (SunSport):
“I messaged him after the game to say ‘Well done’. He deserves everything that’s happening for him right now.
“It’s also important to say that working under Schmeichel for the last 18 months will have been a big help. He’s played at the highest level and Vil will be picking up so much from him.
“But every keeper wants to play and it’s great to see Vil get his chance the past few weeks.
“I know he’s been desperate to get into the team and I’m sure he’ll thrive at Celtic.
“He’s a great guy and a great goalkeeper. I can’t wait to see him showcase what he’s all about in the future.”
Sinisalo was involved in Celtic’s penalty shootout win over Rangers at Ibrox last weekend.
He did not save a spot kick, but Miller believes the goalkeeper still played a key role in the outcome.
“What you saw on Sunday during the penalties was Vil. That’s in his make-up. He’ll do whatever it takes to succeed and I’ve seen him do all the bouncing and talking before.
“Vil gets involved and that rubs off on everyone.
“He’s very vocal and that’s important. It keeps him engaged in the game and it helped Celtic get over the line and through to the semi-final.”
Celtic now face a demanding run of fixtures with the title race tightening and the Scottish Cup reaching its latter stages.
Miller believes the tests Sinisalo has already faced have shown he can handle the pressure.
“There have been a lot of tough fixtures for Celtic lately, but he has come through this test with flying colours, just as I expected him to.”
There has been growing discussion around the form of Kasper Schmeichel in recent weeks.
Sinisalo’s composed showing at Ibrox only adds to that conversation.
At 24, the Finn brings sharp reactions, confidence in his area and a willingness to command the moment. With Celtic entering a defining stretch of the season, those qualities will prove important.
