Liam Scales’ praise for Viljami Sinisalo was clear after Celtic’s win at Ibrox.
But what does it mean for Kasper Schmeichel?
Schmeichel was absent for a third game running in Celtic’s shootout defeat of Rangers, with Sinisalo earning positive reviews for his performance.
Many fans had grown frustrated with a perceived nosedive in Schmeichel’s form, but how are the dressing room feeling in his absence?
Where has it gone wrong for Kasper Schmeichel this season?
Let us know in the comments
Liam Scales on ‘relief’ playing under Viljami Sinsalo at Celtic
Scales said after the game: “He’s so calm, he’s such a calming influence on the team,”
“I said it to him after the game, I don’t think he knows how much of a relief it is when he comes out and collects a corner the way he does.”
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“It takes so much of that threat away. He was brilliant off his line. He came out and cleared a few ones that were dangerous, but it was over the top, things like that.
“He’s been brilliant. I think he hasn’t put a foot wrong and I’m really delighted for him.”
The comment about how much of a ‘relief’ it is when Sinisalo comes for a corner seems to make Schmeichel the elephant in the room.
Dominating the box has never been known as one of Schmeichel’s strengths, and watching Sinisalo, the differences in style are clear for all to see.
Since the Finland international came into the side against in Stuttgart, Celtic have been unbeaten in all competitions.
To frame this as the end for Schmeichel would be overly harsh on the 39-year-old who is managing a serious shoulder injury.
A more appropriate way to frame it would be as the beginning for Sinisalo.
You have £10m to spend on a new goalkeeper to replace Kasper Schmeichel…
Who do you pick?
The career of Celtic’s Viljami Sinisalo
After playing in various youth academies in his home country of Finland, Sinisalo was picked up by Aston Villa in 2018.
He spent time on loan at Ayr United, where he played with Luke McCowan. Since making his debut for Finland, he has received six caps.
His defining loan spell came at Exeter, where he played 45 games for the League One side, being named in the division’s team of the season.
After 17 appearances for Celtic, he now seems to be on the verge of establishing himself as the club’s number one – but with a daunting run-in ahead, he’ll have to work hard to keep his place.
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