Viljami Sinisalo, 24, kept a clean sheet on his Champions League debut against LASK and has declared he will fight to retain Celtic’s No.1 jersey amid transfer speculation and potential competition from Balázs Tóth.
Champions League debut
Sinisalo made his first appearance for Celtic in the group stage of the Champions League on 12 September 2024, stopping all three shots from LASK to preserve a 3‑0 advantage. The 24‑year‑old said the result was “different” to a 3‑1 win, noting the pressure of an away leg in a tough venue.
From backup to first‑choice
After signing a five‑year contract with Celtic in July 2024 from Aston Villa, Sinisalo spent two seasons as a backup. He was promoted to first‑choice keeper following Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement after a shoulder injury that prevented a full recovery. Sinisalo appeared in the Premiership title decider against Hearts and the Scottish Cup final victory over Dunfermline Athletic.
No fear of new competition
Celtic have been linked with the signing of Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balázs Tóth, but Sinisalo said he is not worried about new competition. “Competition brings the best out of players,” he told reporters, adding that he wants to keep the shirt because “I’ve worked so hard to get it.”
Patience and ambition
Sinisalo arrived at Celtic with a clear succession plan. He worked closely with goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods during pre‑season, setting targets for his development. “You can’t just walk into a big club and expect to replace an established international,” he said. “You have to earn it and perform in high‑pressure situations.”
Future outlook
Sinisalo remains focused on improving his game. He said he has “a lot to learn” but is determined to keep rising. “Every day is a chance to learn something new,” he added. The 24‑year‑old remains committed to holding the No.1 jersey for as long as possible.
