Celtic may have seen the last of Kasper Schmeichel after the veteran keeper confirmed he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following multiple shoulder surgeries.
The 38-year-old has already undergone his first operation and was pictured with his arm in a sling, but more procedures are still to come.
Schmeichel himself has admitted he could be out for 10 to 12 months.
At that stage of his career, it raises serious questions about whether he will ever play again.
His Celtic contract is up in the summer.
But while one door may be closing, another is opening.
Viljami Sinisalo has stepped up in recent weeks and impressed between the sticks and now has a huge opportunity ahead of him.
The 24-year-old is set to hold onto the gloves for the remainder of the season, giving him a clear run to stake his claim ahead of a managerial appointment this summer.
And he’s determined to make it count.
Speaking to The Herald, Sinisalo said: “I feel sad about what happened to Kasper. The situation is not nice. I hope it’s not a career-ending thing.
“I’ve always wanted to play. When the moment comes, you have to perform and keep the shirt. A goalkeeper is only as good as his last match.”
With Celtic set to appoint a permanent manager in the summer, Sinisalo’s form between now and then could prove decisive.
It’s a cruel blow for Schmeichel but a massive chance for his understudy.
Celtic will already need a massive rebuild in the summer, but having a decent quality starting keeper could go a long way.
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