Four years shy of turning 28, Viljami Sinisalo is hoping to emulate the Finnish legend, Antti Niemi.
In his 15th appearance for Celtic on Sunday, the goalkeeper was given the nod amid debate over whether he will take the number-one jersey from Kasper Schmeichel.
In the end, it wasn’t even a choice for Martin O’Neill, as Schmeichel was ruled out of the game after feeling ‘poorly’. Regardless, the debate remains given the Dane’s widely-criticised form.
Niemi competed with Andy Goram for the number-one jersey at Rangers before establishing himself at Hearts. He sees his countryman as ready to make that step.
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Antti Niemi on Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo
Niemi said: “Last spring the situation was pretty clear, Celtic were practically already champions, but they were playing for big stakes on Sunday.
“So this game was truly a significant event in Viljami’s career.
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“It ultimately showed that he was trusted. Pressure is something you can’t practice in advance—you can only face it and bear it.”
“Every touch mattered and every single thing that happened would be analysed with a magnifying glass.
“Viljami will now be tougher for the experience and better for it. I can’t think of a better test. He stepped into something that is hard to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it first-hand.
“The Old Firm is not just a match. It’s a phenomenon. It’s a feeling that starts weeks before kick-off and continues long after the final whistle.
“Viljami Sinisalo will certainly win and lose an Old Firm game at some point. Both will help him in his career. I’m really happy for Viljami.”
Sinisalo was signed in the same summer as Schmeichel, having idolised the Denmark stopper earlier in his career.
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WHAT. A. COMEBACK.
Viljami Sinisalo and Martin O’Neill’s major Celtic decisions
Obviously, goalkeepers aren’t affected by busy schedules in the way outfielders are. With Aberdeen, Rangers and Motherwell all coming up, O’Neill’s trust in Sinisalo is set to be tested even further.
Centre-half was the other big call for Ibrox, but it was made easier by Dane Murray’s performance in Germany. Whether he will keep his place in the team when Auston Trusty returns from suspension is a different question.
The bold calls to start winter signings Junior Adamu and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were less fruitful, with both being hooked at half-time.
Kelechi Iheanacho didn’t even make the squad, in what has been a bizarre season for the striker.
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