Viljami Sinisalo reflects on his Glasgow Derby debut | OneFootball

Viljami Sinisalo remains uncertain about retaining his spot ahead of Kasper Schmeichel as the Scottish Cup Final approaches…

Viljami Sinisalo. at Ibrox. theRangers v Celtic, 4 May 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

However, the Celtic backup keeper has proven he can rise to the occasion if he continues to be selected over the Danish veteran.

Sinisalo relished his Glasgow Derby debut, winning Sandman’s MOTM

Sinisalo relished his Glasgow Derby debut, delivering a composed performance in Sunday’s 1-1 clash at Ibrox to extend his impressive form since standing in for the injured Schmeichel. He was even awarded Sandman’s Man of the Match in yesterday’s match in the Definitive Ratings on The Celtic Star posted this morning.

The 23 year-old has demonstrated he can handle the pressure and provide stability between the sticks, and Brendan Rodgers has acknowledged he’d be confident turning to the Finnish shotstopper if Schmeichel isn’t ready in time for this month’s showpiece Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen.

Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic players post-match. theRangers v Celtic, 4 May 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Kasper Schmeichel has returned to light training

The first-choice keeper has returned to light training after picking up a shoulder injury while on international duty in March. The 38-year-old is targeting a return in time for Hampden, and Sinisalo acknowledged he may well have to step aside.

Sinisalo has seized his unexpected opportunity in recent weeks and said: “Of course. Listen, as a Celtic keeper, you want to play well every single game. Different games require different things,” The Finland international keeper said, as reported by Daily Record.

“Games like Sunday, you’ve got to be calm and be able to make saves”

“Games like Sunday, you’ve got to be calm and be able to make saves when they come. There are different games where you’ve got to be really clean with your passing, and there might not be as many saves. Every game is a bit different.

“I’m just trying to do my best to show that I can do the different sides of that. Hopefully, I can keep doing that for the foreseeable.”

Kasper Schmeichel celebrates the title win with Alistair Johnston, Greg Taylor and Viljami Sinisalo. Celtic Champions 2025. Dundee United v Celtic, 26 April 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star).

With Schmeichel’s possible return on the horizon, Sinisalo remains calm and unfazed by the challenge of keeping his place for the cup final at Hampden in three weeks time. He said: “That’s a tough question. Kasper’s been brilliant for us for the whole season, he’s been amazing.

“He’s a big voice, he’s a leader”

“Up there, definitely, with one of the players of the season. What he brings to the squad, what he brings to the change room, you can’t replace that. He’s a big voice, he’s a leader.

“Listen, Kasper’s had an unbelievable career, he’s done really well for us. If I stay in the team, if Kasper gets in the team, that’s the manager’s decision. “I’m just trying to prove that I can play for this football club every day in training and when the chances come, i.e. Sunday and the games after. I’ve just got to focus on the next game, whenever that is, and try and do my best.”

Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership 29/03/2025. Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo during the match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park, on 29 March 2025. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie/PSI

“I want to just try and showcase my ability to the people that probably haven’t seen me as much”

“Every game [for myself]is an opportunity to get better, and I’m very much driven and trying to be the best I can. So, whether that’s playing here or playing next weekend or the games that I’ve played, I want to just try and showcase my ability to the people that probably haven’t seen me as much.”

With 19 days to go until the Scottish Cup Final Celtic still have three league matches to play. You would probably expect Sinisalo to be in goals for the first two games with Kasper perhaps returning for Trophy Day and then depending on how that goes, the Final at Hampden.

Conor Spence

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