Viljami Sinisalo ‘ready’ for Ibrox challenge as Celtic man makes post-Stuttgart declaration

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On a night of huge significance for Viljami Sinisalo, he stepped up.

The Celtic goalkeeper was brought in for Kasper Schmeichel in a major call by Martin O’Neill, and he more than repaid the faith shown by his manager.

He has given his boss a headache for Sunday’s showdown at Ibrox, given the widespread calls that there had been for Schmeichel to be dropped.

So what does Sinisalo think?

Has he played his way into the team for Ibrox?

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Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo reacts to Stuttgart win

“Listen, this is a football club that’s really special to play for.

“Every time we get that chance it’s a privilege, so I’m just buzzing to get that chance to play, because that’s what all footballers want to do.

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“Obviously, it’s great to top it off with a win, even though it’s not enough to get us through to the next round – but there’s a lot of belief we can take from that.”

On Schmeichel, Sinisalo said: “Listen, Kasper’s been brilliant with me. I’ve probably gone on record about how I watched him when I was younger, one of the goalies that I’ve idolised growing up.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant with me. We’ve got a great working relationship, always have done. I’m there to help him, he’s there to help me. So that’s all I can say on that, to be honest.”

On Sunday’s game, he said: “Listen, it’s another game coming up in, well, three days time.

“If the manager decides to put me in, great. I’m ready for it. Obviously I want to play.

“But like I say, it’s not my decision. The only thing I can do is go out there and play as well as I can and try my best, which I always have done for the football club, and will.

“So that’s the only thing I can really focus on, to be honest.”

Sinisalo has now made 14 appearances for Celtic since being signed in the same summer as Schmeichel. One of those appearances was in the 1-1 draw at Ibrox last season.