Viljami Sinisalo has probably featured for Celtic far more than anyone anticipated this season.
Signed on the same day that Celtic confirmed the arrival of Kasper Schmeichel, the young goalkeeper was brought in by Brendan Rodgers to act as an understudy to the Premier League winner.
An injury to Schmeichel though meant that Sinisalo was fast-tracked into the starting XI quicker than expected and has played a role in the run of fixtures that saw the Bhoys crowned Scottish Premiership champions.
He also featured in his first Glasgow derby as Celtic drew 1-1 with Rangers – a game where Sinisalo was targeted by Rangers supporters with bottles being thrown at him.
The Finland international’s first-team bow has led to a new-found fame and the 23-year-old has revealed how he has dealt with the celebrity status.
- READ MORE: Pat Bonner states what Celtic ‘now know’ about Viljami Sinisalo after Kasper Schmeichel’s injury
Viljami Sinisalo reacts to being spotted by Celtic supporters
Playing for Celtic means all eyes are on you around the world and with that, you’re likely to be spotted.
For Sinisalo, the outdoors is his escape from the footballing world and during his downtime has met plenty of Hoops fans – something he is loving.
He told the Daily Record: “I’m very much a nature type of guy, being from Finland there’s quite a bit of that back home. So, we’ll try and get out as much as you can now.
“You meet fans but you get that everywhere now. It’s so big. You get it everywhere, wherever you go, whether you go on a golf driving range or just for a little walk in the park.
“I went to Conic Hill once. There were a few fans in the car park there! But people are nice.
“When you’re with other people, know to leave you to yourselves. No-one’s ever got a problem with taking a picture. It’s not a problem.”
Viljami Sinisalo will play against Aberdeen
Sinisalo won’t get a winners’ medal after failing to meet the threshold for the number of league appearances, but could still stake a claim for the place in the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen.
The final takes place on Saturday 24 May but there are still two league games to go.
Aberdeen await in midweek and Rodgers has already confirmed that the Finland shot-stopper will start between the sticks as Schmeichel is eased back into the first team.
It’s unlikely that Sinisalo will play at Hampden Park in the final, but if he impresses at Pittodrie, he may be given the nod.
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