VILJAMI SINISALO has earned praise from Brendan Rodgers since stepping in for crocked Kasper Schmeichel six games ago.
And the 23-year-old Finland international keeper admits he is thrilled to hear his manager endorsing his qualities while he strives to prove he can be the champions’ No.1.
However, Sinisalo accepts he may have to make way when Danish legend Schmeichel has fully recovered from his shoulder injury with Flag Day against St Mirren at Parkhead a week on Saturday a targeted date for a return.
The agile shotstopper has conceded just three goals in his six outings which have seen the Hoops win four, draw one and lose one.
The stalemate came in the 1-1 draw at Ibrox on Sunday and Sinisalo said he enjoyed the occasion, but was GUTTED the visitors didn’t win in his derby debut.
ON THE BALL…Viljami Sinisalo in control at Ibrox.
Reflecting on the praise from his boss and his first experience in the Govan bearpit, the £1million summer buy from Aston Villa said: “It is pleasing to hear the manager say that.
“Brendan Rodgers has got a whole lot of experience in football, done great things here and elsewhere.
“To hear someone say that is great, obviously. But, listen, I want to get better.
“Every game is an opportunity to get better and I’m very much driven in that and trying to be the best I can. I just want to showcase my ability to the people who probably haven’t seen me as much.
“As Celtic goalkeeper, you want to play well every single game.
“Different games require different things. Against Rangers, you’ve got to be calm and be able to make saves when they come.
“There are different games where you’ve got to be really clean with your passing and there might not be as many saves.”
A BIG HAND…Viljami Sinisalo joins in with Adam Idah and Anthony Ralston to applaud the Celtic fans after the 1-1 draw at Ibrox while Brendan Rodgers greets Liam Scales.
On his first taste of Ibrox, Sinisalo, speaking to the Scottish Sun, continued: “I enjoyed it. It’s a shame we couldn’t get the result we wanted because obviously we wanted to go there and win.
“We had that chance late on to go and nick it, but sometimes football goes that way and you end up with a draw.
“I loved it, though. Every footballer wants to play in these games, so I enjoyed every minute of it.
“The only thing is getting those three points, but that’s football.
“I’m gutted we didn’t do that in the end. I thought we could have. It was a decent second-half and we created chances and openings.
“These games are always tight. You get half chances. You’re not going to carve teams open as much as you probably do on other weekends.
“Hopefully, I can play many more of these games during my time at the club.”
The Finn has enormous respect for Schmeichel who could be asked to prove his match fitness against the Paisley Saints a week before the curtain comes down on the season with the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen at Hampden.
JUST CHAMPION…Viljami Sinisalo celebrates Celtic’s 5-0 win over Dundee Uited at Tannadice that sealed the team’s fourth successive title,
Sinisalo added: “Kasper’s been brilliant for us for the whole season, he’s been amazing.
“Up there, definitely, with one of the players of the season.
“What he brings to the squad, what he brings to the changing room, you can’t replace that. He’s a big voice, he’s a leader.
“Listen, Kasper’s had an unbelievable career, he’s done really well for us.
“If I stay in the team, if Kasper gets in the team, that’s the manager’s decision.
“I’m just trying to prove in training every day that I can play for this football club.
“I’ve just got to focus on the next game, whenever that is, and try and do my best.”
Sinisalo is poised to play his seventh successive game when Hibs visit Parkhead on Saturday.
