Viljami Sinisalo is eyeing a major milestone in his Celtic career after a brilliant end to last season.

The Finnish goalkeeper featured in just eight games for the Hoops but those appearances packed in some of the club’s biggest moments of the campaign.

He stepped up in the pressure cooker of a Glasgow Derby at Ibrox, handled the intensity of a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden, and played his part as Celtic wrapped up the title away to Dundee United. But there’s one arena he’s desperate to experience, the Champions League.

With Kasper Schmeichel still seen as first choice by Brendan Rodgers, the 23-year-old knows he’s in for a fight for the gloves. However, Sinisalo is embracing the challenge and insists he’s ready to push for the No.1 spot in Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Sinisalo’s spell between the sticks gave him a real taste of what’s expected at Celtic, and while praise has come his way, he’s not one to rest on it, insisting he’ll be his own harshest judge as he looks to take the next step.

He said: (RecordSport), “I’d love to play in the Champions League. That’s the ultimate dream for every player.

“I really enjoyed playing in those big games last season, I got to experience different challenges like going to Ibrox, playing in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden, in the league-clinching game at Dundee United. The Champions League is the one I haven’t done yet and that is everyone’s dream.

“Any chance you get to play for the club is brilliant but to play on that stage would be special. I just need to keep working hard to make sure I’m ready.

“It was a nice break but I’m excited to be back and I’m trying to build on last season. It was nice to play towards the end of last season, and play in meaningful games.

“I got to experience what it is to be a Celtic keeper. Everyone wants to play and hopefully I can play a bit more this year.

“I’ve just got to work hard and be ready for the opportunity. Of course it’s nice to hear that kind of praise. I’m just trying to do my best and show people what I’m about.

“I want to show I can be a Celtic No.1 – that’s what I am driving towards. If there’s praise, then great but if there’s criticism fine, because I’ll be my own biggest critic anyway if the time is right.”

Celtic’s potential Champions League qualification, if they navigate the play-off round, means more pressure and more chances. Sinisalo wants to be part of it and knows he’ll need to work hard to get there.

He got a real feel for what it means to play for Celtic last season. Now, he’s focused on taking the next step and earning his place on the biggest stage.

Whether it’s in Europe, the league, or the domestic cups, Sinisalo’s message is clear, he’s ready to fight for every minute. And if his performances match his ambition, Brendan Rodgers will have a big decision to make.