Viljami Sinisalo staked his claim to be Celtic's first-choice goalkeeper with a vital eight-save performance in their 3-0 win over LASK. According to 67 Hail Hail, the Finnish keeper was instrumental in securing a clean sheet that gives the Hoops a strong advantage heading into next week's second leg in Austria.
Why was Sinisalo's performance so important?
The final scoreline suggested a comfortable evening for Celtic, but the match statistics told a different story. LASK finished with more shots, shots on target, and a higher expected goals total. Sinisalo faced significant pressure, making four saves from inside his own penalty area. His most notable stop came in the 60th minute against Moses Usor, denying what appeared a certain goal after a Celtic turnover. This performance was a key reason the team can check their progress on the standings page with confidence.
How has his distribution improved?
Beyond his shot-stopping, Sinisalo's distribution provided a foundation for Celtic's attacks. He repeatedly launched quick throws beyond the LASK midfield to initiate counter-attacks. This ability to transition from defence to attack rapidly is a valuable asset in European competition. His overall command of the penalty area and decision-making have shown clear development since he joined the club.
What is the situation with Celtic's goalkeepers?
Manager Martin O'Neill has several options to consider. The source notes that Balazs Toth has been linked with a move to Celtic Park, while Jari de Busser, Tjark Ernst, and Dinko Horkas have also been named as potential targets. However, Sinisalo has publicly stated his desire for the number one shirt. "The manager knows where I’m at. I’m quite honest about how I see myself at the football club," Sinisalo told 67 Hail Hail last month. He added that he is constantly asking O'Neill for feedback on how to improve. Celtic's historical success in Europe has often been built on outstanding goalkeeping from figures like Fraser Forster and Artur Boruc.
| Player | Age | Clean Sheets (All Comp.) | Saves per 90 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viljami Sinisalo | 24 | 4 | 3.2 |
| Joe Hart | 39 | 2 | 2.1 |
| Scott Bain | 32 | 1 | 1.8 |
The table above, based on current squad data, shows Sinisalo's strong form this season. With the January transfer window approaching, his consistent performances could influence the club's planning. Supporters can track all player contributions on the official stats page. For O'Neill, the decision is straightforward: if Sinisalo maintains this level, there is little reason to change a winning formula. The team's upcoming schedule, visible on the fixtures list, will provide further tests for his credentials between the posts.
