Viljami Sinisalo admits there is a ‘rivalry’ between him and one of Celtic’s new signings

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Viljami Sinisalo was a new signing for Celtic last summer.

The Finnish international was brought in as back-up for Kasper Schmeichel, and that proved to be the case for most of last season.

But Sinisalo did get an extended run in the Celtic team when Schmeichel injured his shoulder in March, playing five consecutive Scottish Premiership games.

The 23-year-old impressed, and now he’s part of Celtic’s pre-season squad as they gear up for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.

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Viljami Sinisalo vs Benjamin Nygren at Celtic

Sinisalo has been joined by new Celtic signing and fellow Scandinavian Benjamin Nygren, and both players have history together.

Sinisalo would face up against Nygren when Sweden would play Finland at underage level, with both players 23 years old.

And the goalkeeper admits that as a result, there’s a bit of competitiveness between him and Nygren in the Celtic squad.

Sinisalo told the Daily Record: “I’ve played against Benjamin quite a few times when we were youth internationals. We’re the same age and there’s a little bit of a rivalry going on with the Finland v Sweden situation.

“I think he scored a couple against me for the under 17s or something! I remember he was always the main man when we played them.

“There was always a lot of talk about him, with various clubs looking at him. At under 16 and 17 levels, he always played a few groups up as well.

“He’s a great guy. He’s close friends with one of my friends back home as well so I know a lot about him. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him.”

Celtic fans will be ‘very excited’ by Nygren

Nygren signed for Celtic from FC Nordsjælland for just £2m because the winger’s contract there was set to expire in December.

He scored 35 goals in 107 games for FCN and Sinisalo reckons Celtic fans are in for a treat this season and beyond with Nygren in the team.

Sinisalo continued: “He’s got a lot of ability but he’s also a very nice guy, he’s very down to earth and looking to work as hard as he can.

“I’ve been really impressed, but it’s no surprise. He’s a brilliant, athletic, footballer, who is very good on the ball.

“We are going to see a lot from him this season. I think Celtic fans are going to be very excited watching him.”