Celtic’s new No.1 jersey is already under pressure after Viljami Sinisalo admitted he’s “constantly” knocking on Martin O’Neill’s door to prove he deserves to keep the gloves.

The Finn has taken the No.1 shirt from the retired Kasper Schmeichel and now faces fresh competition this summer after O’Neill sanctioned a new goalkeeper arrival. Sinisalo, who started every game from March as Celtic sealed the Premiership title on 11 May 2026, insists he’s ready to fight for his place.

What’s driving Sinisalo’s relentless push?

Sinisalo told reporters he’s in O’Neill’s office “quite often” asking what more he can do to stay first-choice. “He probably gets annoyed when I keep asking,” the 25-year-old admitted. “But I am there to get better.”

The keeper has already worn the No.1 jersey in Celtic’s opening pre-season outing, a 4-1 loss to Sporting CP on 14 July 2026. O’Neill’s side now sit third in the Premiership with 67 points from 33 games - three behind Hearts - and a goal difference of +24 after 59 scored and 35 conceded.

Why the new signing changes the dynamic

O’Neill has made clear he wants an upgrade in goal this window, leaving Sinisalo under no illusions about the competition. The Finn, though, frames the fight as healthy. “It’s part and parcel of it - it brings the best out of you,” he said. “Once you’ve got that shirt, there’s no intention to let that go.”

Celtic’s recent form reads LWWWW after that heavy defeat, with the next test arriving on 18 July 2026 against Middlesbrough at Celtic Park.

O’Neill’s tactical tweaks and the double hangover

Sinisalo credits O’Neill’s man-management for last season’s Premiership and Scottish Cup double, noting the gaffer’s ability to build confidence. “He put us in a position to go and do that,” the keeper said. “To win eight or nine games at the end to win is not easy for any club.”

O’Neill has already begun speaking more openly about tactical shifts, hinting at subtle changes from last season’s setup. Sinisalo, who featured in both pre-season friendlies, reckons momentum matters most. “If you end up winning every single pre-season game, ultimately it doesn’t mean you win your first [competitive game],” he said. “But it can help you build a bit of confidence.”

With the Premiership title race still tight - Hearts lead by three points - and a tricky Middlesbrough tie looming, Sinisalo’s daily grind to impress O’Neill has just got sharper.