Benjamin Arthur proved on Wednesday night that it’s all about how you take your chances as a Celtic player.
Celtic’s January signing was due to start on the bench against Aberdeen, but was thrown straight into the XI ten minutes before kick-off at Pittodrie because of Dane Murray’s injury.
Viljami Sinisalo wanted to give Arthur his flowers for how he reacted to being thrown into the deep end at such short notice, and how he was an ‘absolute lion’ for Martin O’Neill’s side.
“It’s not easy at all when that happens,” said Sinisalo. “He has defended the box like an absolute lion there. Brilliant, well done.”
What did you make of Benjamin Arthur’s performance?
Give your rating, and your reason behind it in the comments section!
Viljami Sinisalo is impressed by Benjamin Arthur’s reaction to earning his first Celtic start
This puts Celtic in an interesting situation ahead of their second trip to Ibrox at the weekend. Does Arthur remain in the XI?
Auston Trusty returns from suspension, but Arthur looked composed against the Dons, and he provides the balance at the back, alongside Liam Scales.
One thing is for sure: he is impressing his new teammates, as Sinisalo touched upon post-match on Sky Sports Football.
“It’s not easy at all when that happens,” said Sinisalo about Arthur being told he was going to start ten minutes before kick-off. “It has happened to me once in my career, and it isn’t easy.
“So, full credit to him. He has done unbelievable. He has defended the box like an absolute lion there. Brilliant, well done.
“Every win is big now. We have what, nine league cup finals left? And hopefully, a few more in the cup. So, it’s massive. Every three points counts at this stage of the season. Massive.”
What Arthur will now realise about Celtic…
Celtic are a unique club, but sometimes, for some players, you don’t come to that realisation until you put on the famous green and white colours.
Sinisalo already understands that because he has been at the champions of Scotland for over a year now.
But Celtic’s back-up keeper did tell Arthur that he now realises what a ‘special club’ this is to play for after his first start.
“We are in this together,” added Sinisalo. “We have been from the first game. That’s the message. That’s never going to change. Players come, and players go. New signings in January. Everyone has done unbelievable.
“They try their best. It’s a special club to play for. I am sure the big man realised that. I am delighted for him.”
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
