Viljami Sinisalo has revealed that he was planned to play more minutes earlier in the season, but managerial changes put that in jeopardy.
Sinisalo was Celtic's back-up goalkeeper but took his chance when Kasper Schmeichel called it quits over a year-long injury. The Dane had been playing through a shoulder problem he suffered on international duty ages ago, but decided to get it checked out.
He revealed that it could be the end of his career, and he has certainly played his last game for the Hoops. Sinisalo saw his opportunity though, and grabbed it with both hands. He hasn't let go yet, as he is still impressing every week.
Now, in a recent interview, he revealed that we could have seen him much earlier than we did.
He said (67HailHail): "Obviously, we’ve had different managers during the season, so it’s very difficult. There was probably a plan of playing more than last season; there definitely was, which started alright in the League Cup.
"Then obviously things happen and plans change, which is completely understandable. As a young keeper, you’re a little bit unfortunate at that time, maybe.
"But I’ve just tried to keep my head down, and like I said to you, I’ve always known the opportunity would come eventually.
"I’ve just tried to genuinely work as hard as I can to be ready for that opportunity because you only get one career at it and one shot at it. So there’s no point wasting a day, which I haven’t done and will never do.
"There were plans, but obviously, plans change when people change. It’s such a weird business, you don’t know what’s happening in a week’s time. There are injuries, there are selection decisions, there are things that can happen that you can’t [control].
"The only thing you can control is going out on that pitch and trying your best and doing as well as you can and not wasting a day. So yeah, it’s worked out alright.
"I pretty much understand that that’s the next game. I want to just keep improving and being better and trying to showcase to people who I am as a goalie."
Sinisalo deserves his chance
Sinisalo deserves the chance that he has been given. As he said, he has kept his head down and worked hard, and it has truly paid off.
The goalkeeper joined in 2024 after rejecting a new contract from Aston Villa. He got a brief spell in the team under Rodgers at the end of last season, making seven appearances, but Schmeichel was put in the first time yet again, going into this campaign.
There is a lot of chat over whether the club will look to bring a new goalkeeper into the squad when summer comes. Celtic are already linked to Australia national team captain Maty Ryan, who they could bring in on a free, but Sinisalo could be trusted under the next manager.
We'll just have to wait and see, but one thing is for sure: if the club trust him, Sinisalo will do his best to step up.
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