Viljami Sinisalo’s opportunity to step into Celtic’s starting XI has arrived under challenging circumstances, but his attitude, self-belief, and determination suggest he is fully prepared for the responsibility. With Kasper Schmeichel sidelined for at least five weeks due to a shoulder injury sustained while on international duty with Denmark, the young Finnish goalkeeper is now Celtic’s last line of defense in a crucial period of the season. His performance in the 3-0 victory over Hearts was an excellent start, and he will be looking to build on that momentum in the upcoming fixtures.

A Mentality Built for Success

What stands out most about Sinisalo is his mentality. Goalkeeping at a club like Celtic comes with immense pressure. Every mistake is scrutinized, and every big save is celebrated. Celtic are expected to dominate most domestic matches, meaning their goalkeeper might go long spells without action but still needs to be ready at any moment. Sinisalo seems to understand that responsibility perfectly. His comments about being confident to the point of arrogance—but never crossing that line—reveal a goalkeeper who understands the fine mental balance required to succeed at the highest level.

“When you get an opportunity to play for this football club, you’ve got to take it with both hands,” Sinisalo said. That kind of attitude is exactly what’s needed in a high-pressure situation. A second-choice goalkeeper must always be prepared for their moment, knowing that injuries, suspensions, or dips in form from the first-choice keeper can open the door at any time. Sinisalo’s remarks suggest he has been mentally preparing for this chance since the day he arrived at Celtic, and now that it has come, he intends to seize it.

Learning from a Legend

Another major factor in Sinisalo’s development has been the presence of Kasper Schmeichel. The Finnish international was signed from Aston Villa last summer for £1 million, and while he has spent most of this season as Schmeichel’s understudy, he has clearly benefited from working with the vastly experienced Dane.

Sinisalo spoke highly of Schmeichel’s support, revealing that they exchanged messages after the injury was confirmed. “He’s been really, really, really supportive. He’s someone I’ve always looked up to since I was really, really young,” he said. It’s a testament to Schmeichel’s professionalism that he continues to encourage and mentor his younger teammate, even while sidelined.

Schmeichel’s arrival at Celtic was seen as a major coup due to his wealth of experience, having won the Premier League with Leicester City and represented Denmark in multiple major tournaments. His presence has undoubtedly helped raise the standards in training, and Sinisalo’s close relationship with him will have accelerated his learning curve. Now, Sinisalo has the chance to put that knowledge into practice in real games.

Taking His Chance

Sinisalo’s first test in Schmeichel’s absence came against Hearts, and he passed with flying colors. Keeping a clean sheet at Tynecastle in a 3-0 victory was an excellent way to begin this crucial run of games. Tynecastle is known for being one of the toughest away grounds in Scotland, with a hostile atmosphere that can unsettle even the most experienced players. Yet Sinisalo handled the occasion well, remaining composed throughout the match.

His comments after the game indicate that he understands the importance of staying level-headed. “One game at a time. It’s about getting three points here, and we move our focus to the weekend,” he said. That level of focus and professionalism will be vital as Celtic aim to maintain their push for a fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title.

Next up for Celtic is a trip to McDiarmid Park to face St Johnstone, who currently sit bottom of the table. On paper, it’s a fixture Celtic are expected to win comfortably, but as Sinisalo pointed out, “things can happen so quickly.” Goalkeepers must be switched on at all times, especially when playing for a dominant team like Celtic. There may be long periods of the game where he has little to do, but one moment of inattention could be costly.

With a large traveling Celtic support expected to fill three stands at McDiarmid Park, Sinisalo will have the backing of thousands of fans. If he can put in another solid performance and help secure three points, he will continue to strengthen his claim as a reliable option between the sticks.

Could Sinisalo Be Celtic’s Long-Term No. 1?

The big question now is whether Sinisalo has what it takes to establish himself as Celtic’s long-term first-choice goalkeeper. When Schmeichel returns from injury, Brendan Rodgers will have a decision to make. If Sinisalo performs well in the coming weeks, Rodgers may find it difficult to drop him.

Sinisalo is still only 22 years old, meaning he has plenty of time to develop further. Many goalkeepers don’t hit their peak until their late 20s or early 30s, so the fact that he is already showing maturity and confidence at this stage of his career is encouraging. His time at Aston Villa and various loan spells in the English Football League have given him valuable experience, and now he has the chance to prove himself at the highest level in Scotland.

If he continues to impress, Celtic may view him as the long-term successor to Schmeichel rather than just a temporary backup. Given his age and potential, securing the starting role could be a huge boost for both his career and the club.

A Defining Period Ahead

The next few weeks will be a defining period for Sinisalo. If he continues to perform well and keeps Celtic winning, he could force Rodgers into a difficult decision when Schmeichel returns. On the other hand, if he struggles, Rodgers may look to bring in another goalkeeper next summer.

Ultimately, Sinisalo’s future at Celtic will be determined by his performances on the pitch. So far, he has made a strong impression, but the challenge now is maintaining that consistency over multiple games.

With crucial fixtures ahead, including the visit to St Johnstone, this is a golden opportunity for Sinisalo to show he belongs at this level. If he seizes it, he could cement his place as Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper for years to come.

What do you think—does Sinisalo have what it takes to be Celtic’s long-term No. 1, or is he just a short-term solution while Schmeichel recovers?