Viljami Sinisalo has been a regular for Celtic in pre-season.
That includes Celtic’s final pre-season game of the season against AC Milan over the weekend, but there is still a cloud above his head.
That was put there by Martin O’Neill, who has stated this summer that he wants ‘another goalkeeper’ through the doors.
Despite that noise, the way Sinisalo is conducting himself in the media is first class, and that was proven once again following Celtic’s clash against Milan.
Should Viljami Sinisalo be the long-term replacement for Kasper Schmeichel?
Viljami Sinisalo on his mindset ahead of Celtic’s opener against Dundee
“I feel good,” said Sinisalo. “Physically, I think we are in a good place. I think everyone is desperate to kind of get going. I wish the game (against Dundee) was tomorrow. That’s what everyone feels like.
“I can’t wait for it and, hopefully, we can, again, try to do something successful. That’s the message.
“I am looking forward to it. I have always said, this is what I want to do. It’s an amazing club to play for, and to get that chance to be at one is very good.
“I can’t wait for it. I have said it twice now. But I wish it was starting tomorrow. That’s the message I have been given, and how everyone else feels. Looking forward to it. It will get better as the games go on.
On speaking to the coaching staff about his own role: “I have spoken to a lot of people. There is no real desire to be anything else (than number one) from myself. I have always wanted to be the number one. That is the message.
“But at football clubs like this, there is always competition. You have to play well to stay in the team. That’s as simple as it gets. You can’t think any further than that.
“Dundee on Monday night is the next most important game; you can’t really look any further than that. It gives you a bit of confidence the chats that you have with people, and having the number one and stuff like that. I have to start building and keep getting better.
“The main thing is, whatever position you are here, it’s so important. Every game is massive here. You are expected to win.
“Ultimately, I try to make my teammates better and be part of something successful last season.”
Sinisalo understands what it takes to be Celtic’s number one goalkeeper
Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement last season opened the door for Sinisalo to become number one.
But there are still debates, heading into the new season, about whether he will keep those gloves, given that several keepers have been linked.
This isn’t a man throwing his toys out of the pram, but welcoming the challenge, and understanding this is what playing for Celtic is all about.
At every corner, your place is under threat, no matter how big you are, because of the importance of that role.
What’s even better is that the Finland international has been expecting and preparing all of this, yet still craving that main jersey.
Not only that, Sinisalo is proving that he is perhaps underrated amongst the fanbase.
Callum McGregor is the Celtic captain; perhaps the next in line is Kieran Tierney, and Alistair Johnston’s name has been previously mentioned.
But Sinisalo showcases leadership qualities again and again, with the way he conducts himself in the media and the maturity with which he speaks.
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