Celtic’s race to win the Treble starts at Hampden on Sunday afternoon.
Only several weeks ago, Celtic lost away to St Johnstone in the Premiership, and Brendan Rodgers came out of the match as a pretty unhappy man because of his team’s display and the dropped points.
Celtic bounced back in style against Kilmarnock one week later, and now head into this Scottish Cup semi-final with a spring in their step and wanting to put that previously negative result against St Johnstone behind them.
With Kasper Schmeichel still injured, Celtic’s back-up goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo has continued to don the gloves, and he will do so for one of the biggest games of his career in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
Rodgers will be hoping for a rather more comfortable afternoon, but if push comes to shove, will Sinisalo step up and take a penalty for Celtic?
Viljami Sinisalo is willing to take a penalty for Celtic against St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup semi-final
You are hoping it doesn’t come to it, and Celtic have their Scottish Cup final ticket wrapped up when they face St Johnstone.
But Sinisalo is willing to step up and take a penalty, if called upon, just like a certain Joe Hart did against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final last season.
Sinisalo was an Aston Villa player then, and he shared that he did watch that Hampden thriller, including how he has also practised a few penalties beforehand, as he told Celtic TV.
“I watched that game actually,” said Sinisalo on Hart taking a penalty for Celtic. “I do watch a lot of football. Obviously, gone on to save the following penalty and win it for the club.
“Listen, I will take one if I have to. But I am sure there will be other people taking it before me, but I won’t shy away from that if that moment comes to me. I’ll stick to saving them, first and foremost.
On whether he has practised penalties: “I might have taken one or two, maybe even three today after training.
“Listen, like I said, if it comes to me, then I will take one. I am sure there will be some takers before me, and hopefully, I can save a couple if it goes to that.”
Who will Celtic face in the Scottish Cup final?
The Premiership title is wrapped up and a draw away at Dundee United – after the split – will seal the deal, in terms of a 55th Premiership crown.
But, effectively, it’s two matches for another Treble, not just for Celtic, but Rodgers himself and since he returned to the club.
If the champions-elect beat St Johnstone, then they will face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final.
Jimmy Thelin’s side, who were outclassed by Celtic in the League Cup semi-final at Hampden this term, beat nine-man Hearts in extra time to seal their ticket to the final.
Palestine striker Oday Dabbagh stepped up to seal the deal with minutes left on the clock, and now a possible final date with Celtic awaits.
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