Viljami Sinisalo has detailed how his opportunity at Celtic could’ve come a lot earlier.
Kasper Schmeichel’s absence has opened the door, and the Finnish goalkeeper has stepped in without hesitation. His clean sheet against Stuttgart on Europa League duty stands out, not just for the result but for the timing.
Celtic secured their first-ever win on German soil, and Sinisalo played his part with a series of important stops that kept things steady on the night.
It is a moment that has been a long time coming.
Signed from Aston Villa nearly two years ago, Sinisalo arrived as clear backup. His first season brought just eight appearances, and while there was talk of increased involvement this term, that never fully materialised.
Managerial change got in the way. Sinisalo explained (TCW):
“Obviously we’ve had different managers during the season so it’s very difficult.
“There was probably a plan of playing more than last season, there definitely was, which started alright in the League Cup.”
That early momentum faded quickly.
Plans shifted, selection changed, and Sinisalo was back waiting again. For a young goalkeeper, that is not a simple place to be. There is no rotation safety net, no gradual integration. You either play or you don’t.
He did what most don’t manage.
“Then obviously things happen and plans change, which is completely understandable. As a young keeper, you’re a little bit unfortunate at that time, maybe.
“But I’ve just tried to keep my head down and like I said to you, I’ve always known the opportunity would come eventually.
“I’ve just tried to genuinely work as hard as I can to be ready for that opportunity because you only get one career at it and one shot at it. So there’s no point wasting a day, which I haven’t done and will never do.”
There is no bitterness in it, just realism. Football shifts quickly, and Sinisalo knows it.
“There were plans, but obviously plans change when people change”, he continued.
“It’s such a weird business, you don’t know what’s happening in a week’s time. There are injuries, there are selection decisions, there are things that can happen that you can’t [control].
“The only thing you can control is going out on that pitch and trying your best and doing as well as you can and not wasting a day. So yeah, it’s worked out alright.
“I pretty much understand that that’s the next game. I want to just keep improving and being better and trying to showcase to people who I am as a goalie.”
Since stepping in, there has been little noise around the position. That tells its own story.
He has made 13 appearances this season, conceding 11 goals, and more importantly, he has looked settled. No drama, no uncertainty, just a goalkeeper doing his job.
Supporters have taken to him quickly. In a season where Celtic have had their issues, Sinisalo has been one of the few areas without debate. Reliable, composed, and clearly ready when called upon.
There is already talk of the club looking at goalkeepers in the summer, which will happen regardless. Sinisalo will not be shifting quietly.
If he finishes the season with silverware and maintains this level, the conversation changes. He is no longer a stand-in; he is a contender.
