Viljami Sinisalo on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond

The Celtic Star

·14 mai 2025

Viljami Sinisalo on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond

Viljami Sinisalo has been thoroughly enjoying the Scottish landscapes during his time at Celtic, often heading out for hillwalking adventures…

Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo after Daniels Balodis of St Johnstone scored to give St Johnstone a 1-0 lead. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, , McDiarmid Park, Perth, 06 April 2025: Photo Stuart Wallace/IMAGO Shutterstock

However, what truly excites the Finnish goalkeeper is the long-term vision at Celtic Park. With first-choice Kasper Schmeichel sidelined due to injury for two months, Sinisalo stepped in and impressed Celtic supporters with his performances at just 23 years old.

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Sinisalo will start at Pittodrie this evening

But, the situation is mutually beneficial for the former Aston Villa shotstopper. As reported in The Celtic Star on Monday, Sinisalo is poised to rejoin the starting eleven for tonight’s match against Aberdeen, following Schmeichel’s return in last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Hibs.

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel applauds the fans at full-time. Celtic v Hibernian, 10 May 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

The Finn showed no signs of dissatisfaction of being put back on the bench, fully embracing the chance to demonstrate his ability to become Brendan Rodgers’ number one in due course. His involvement in the crucial stages of the season – in the Scottish Cup semi-final and Ibrox has shown he can handle pressure, earning him the admiration of everyone connected with the club.

Celtic’s vast presence and influence

Sinisalo confessed that away from football he is an outdoors enthusiast, often exploring the sights of Scotland. The goalkeeper has already noticed the attention he is receiving around Glasgow, which has given him a glimpse of Celtic’s vast presence and influence.

01 10 2024, UEFA Champions League, Borussia Dortmund v Celtic, Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo Celtic PHOTO DE: Dennis Ewert/RHR

The attention might overwhelm some, but the grounded Finn is not one to be fazed. Sinisalo said, as reported by The Herald. “Loch Lomond’s been our favourite with the missus. So, yeah, it’s been good. I’m very much a nature type of guy, being from Finland there’s quite a bit of that back home. So, we’ll try and get out as much as you can now.”

“Somewhere quiet, peaceful. I get the factor 50 on!”

“Somewhere quiet, peaceful. I get the factor 50 on! Yeah, you meet fans but you get that everywhere now. It’s so big. You get it everywhere, wherever you go, whether you go on a golf driving range or just for a little walk in the park. But it’s fine. I went to Conic Hill once. There were a few fans in the car park there! But people are nice.”

Viljami Sinisalo of Celtic during the second half of their pre-season friendly match against Manchester City at Kenan Stadium on July 23, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

“When you’re with other people, know to leave you to yourselves. No-one’s ever got a problem with taking a picture. It’s not a problem.”

Sinisalo now feels an established member of Celtic’s first team dressing room. With that brings this kind of daily attention, but the ex-Exeter City man insists he is embracing it every day.

“I’ll try to prove I’m that calm persona in goal you can rely on.”

He said: “I suppose I get it a little bit now that I’ve played a few more games. People probably recognise you because you’re in the limelight a little bit. But it’s part and parcel of it. That’s why you’re here. Everyone wants to play and that comes with playing so I can’t complain. I understand what it takes to be here. Whether I’m 23 or 33, I’ll try to prove I’m that calm persona in goal you can rely on.”

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

“That’s just what I am as a person on the pitch and off the pitch. I’m quite calm. I try to show my personality when I play. That’s one of the big things as a keeper – you’ve got to show personality and that real presence.”

“I’m just happy I’ve now had the chance to play”

“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.”

Conor Spence

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