Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Viljami Sinisalo will make his Celtic debut on Saturday when the Hoops face Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup, with Kasper Schmeichel ruled out due to a back injury.
While the injury to Schmeichel isn’t believed to be serious, Rodgers confirmed that he won’t be risked against Raith but is expected to be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League knockout clash with Bayern Munich at Celtic Park.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Rodgers explained the situation regarding his goalkeepers: [Celtic TV]
“Kasper Schmeichel won’t play. So Viljami Sinisalo will start and go.
“Kasper had a little issue with his back. So he’ll miss out in the game, and, like I’ve seen in pre-season with Viljami, he’s a young goalkeeper who came in and played those games really well. I’m really looking forward to seeing him make his debut.”
The Finnish shot-stopper, who joined Celtic from Aston Villa last summer, impressed Rodgers during pre-season in America but has been waiting patiently for his chance in competitive action.
Now, with Schmeichel sidelined, Sinisalo will get the opportunity to showcase his abilities in what will be a crucial match as Celtic continue their quest for domestic silverware.
With Celtic’s European hopes on the line against Bayern, having Schmeichel fit will be key—but in the meantime, all eyes will be on Sinisalo as he looks to make his mark in the Hoops.
Brendan Rodgers has opted against giving the shot-stopper his debut in the League Cup and Scottish Cup so far, but he’s being thrown in on Saturday night under the lights at Paradise.
I’d like to think we checked out the big Fin prior to bringing him on board, so with this in mind, it is the ideal opportunity to give him the chance while also giving Kasper a chance to rest his back.