Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo has admitted he’s simply enjoying every opportunity that comes his way, even though he knows the return of Kasper Schmeichel could see him step aside for the Scottish Cup Final later this month.
The Finnish stopper has impressed since being thrust into the starting role following Schmeichel’s shoulder injury in March. He has handled some of the club’s biggest fixtures with maturity and calm, including the title-clinching win at Tannadice, a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden, and the recent Glasgow Derby at Ibrox.
With Schmeichel back in training and expected to be in contention for the Hampden showpiece against Aberdeen on May 24, Brendan Rodgers confirmed Sinisalo will get another chance to impress on Wednesday night when Celtic face Aberdeen at Pittodrie. Rodgers has already hinted that several fringe and youth players will also be given opportunities in the penultimate league fixture.
Sinisalo is fully aware of the situation but is keeping his focus simple.
“I suppose nothing’s a given in football,” he told RecordSport. “I’m not even focusing that far ahead. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment. Every chance you get to play is a privilege.
“I’m just happy I’ve now had the chance to play and I’m trying to show to people that probably haven’t seen me as much of what I am and what I’m about.
“That’s all you can do. Then if the manager makes the decision, the manager makes the decision. But I can only do what I can on the pitch and try to show in training what I’m about.
“If you asked me three months ago about the games I’ve now had since I’ve been in the team, we’ve played at Tannadice in the league-clinching game and played at Hampden, played at Ibrox… I’d have been happy in terms of that. I’m just trying to prove I can be a Celtic goalie for the foreseeable.”
Whether or not he keeps his place for Hampden, Sinisalo’s recent displays have shown he has the potential to be a major part of Celtic’s long-term goalkeeping plans. Brendan Rodgers has admitted that his performances have given clarity over his summer plans, and that the young keeper is set for a Parkhead stay, instead of heading out on loan.
