Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo has made no secret of his ambition; he wants to be the club’s number one.
The Finnish international was signed from Aston Villa last summer, and while he arrived knowing Kasper Schmeichel would start as first choice, Sinisalo has always had his sights set on becoming the long-term solution between the posts at Parkhead.
With Schmeichel sidelined by a shoulder injury sustained on international duty, Sinisalo has stepped up in recent weeks and hasn’t looked out of place. Confident with the ball at his feet, vocal from the back, and capable of pulling off big saves, the 23-year-old has made a strong case for continued involvement, even when the Dane returns.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone, Sinisalo said: “That’s always been the aim, that’s the whole plan of me coming here. I want to play for this football club, I want to be the number one here, and that’s been the aim since day one.”
“Kasper’s been brilliant. We’ve got a great working relationship, and he’s been amazing for the club. I’m learning a lot from him.”
Sinisalo’s current run in the team could hardly have come at a more crucial time. Celtic are chasing a fourth successive Premiership title and a place in the Scottish Cup final, with a treble still very much on the cards.
If he continues to deliver under pressure, Brendan Rodgers will face a big decision in the coming months over who takes the gloves long-term. But for now, Sinisalo’s focus is to win on Sunday, impress, and keep building towards becoming Celtic’s undisputed number one.
