Viljami Sinisalo could be in line for his first SPFL Premiership appearance this weekend, with doubts surrounding the fitness of Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

The Danish international left the game against Portugal on Sunday with his arm in a sling, casting uncertainty over his availability for Saturday’s league clash against Hearts at Celtic Park.

Sinisalo, 23, was an unused substitute on Tuesday as Finland drew 2-2 away to Lithuania in World Cup qualifying.

He has largely played a watching brief since arriving at Celtic, with his only appearance coming in January’s Scottish Cup tie at home to Raith Rovers. That match ended in a comfortable win for Brendan Rodgers’ side, and the young keeper was rarely tested.

The situation could be quite different on Saturday. Hearts will arrive in Glasgow with plenty to play for and looking to exploit any weakness the Hoops have. Celtic, meanwhile, want to begin their final steps towards the title, and it starts with Saturday’s tie.

Brendan Rodgers has three goalkeepers in his senior squad: Schmeichel, Scott Bain, and Sinisalo. With Bain also yet to make a league appearance this term, the manager may be left weighing his options carefully depending on the veteran Dane’s fitness.

Celtic have a busy period ahead, with the league campaign entering its final phase and a League Cup semi-final on the horizon. If Sinisalo is handed the gloves, he’ll be expected to step up quickly and show he’s ready to handle the pressure at the top end of the Scottish game.

Two weeks after Maik Nawrocki started his first SPFL game of the season, we could now see another league debut at Celtic Park. The defender was thrown into the Glasgow Derby with Auston Trusty and Liam Scales out injured and he acquitted himself well despite the result.