Kasper Schmeichel praises Sinisalo and Bain ahead of Trophy Day

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The Celtic Star

·16 mai 2025

Kasper Schmeichel praises Sinisalo and Bain ahead of Trophy Day

Celtic no.1 Kasper Schmeichel has revealed his thoughts on Viljami Sinisalo after the Finnish international stepped in for an extended spell during Schmeichel’s time on the sidelines…

Viljami Sinisalo. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The 38-year-old sustained a shoulder fracture during Denmark’s Nations League second-leg clash with Portugal in March, remarkably playing through the injury to complete the match.

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Consequently, 23-year-old Sinisalo took over goalkeeping duties and delivered an impressive showing across six consecutive starts. In his pre-match press conference to the Mainstream Media, Schmeichel commended the young keeper’s performances, noting that he expected nothing less from his capable understudy.

Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo after Daniels Balodis of St Johnstone scored to give St Johnstone a 1-0 lead. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, , McDiarmid Park, Perth, 06 April 2025: Photo Stuart Wallace/IMAGO Shutterstock

Schmeichel said: “Yes [I have been impressed]. I have trained with Vil all season, and he has been top-drawer. You do not come to a club like Celtic unless you are a good goalkeeper, so yes, he has done very, very well.”

“I think goalkeeping is a very different kind of mentality, where we are part of a team, but we wear a different kit. We are separated, but we are still together. In terms of the group, it’s so important to have quality around you all the time because it just elevates the level of the session. In turn, that elevates everyone around you.”

Alistair Johnston and Scott Bain of Celtic arrive at the stadium prior to the SPL Premier League match between Rangers FC and Celtic FC at Ibrox Stadium on January 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Despite not making an appearance this season, Scott Bain received praise from Schmeichel, who acknowledged his role as Celtic’s third-choice goalkeeper and his dependable presence during the Dane’s recent absence.

Schmeichel highlighted the valuable contribution Bain makes behind the scenes, emphasising his influence off the pitch. “I have got to mention Scott Bain as well,” said Schmeichel.

Kasper Schmeichel celebrates. Celtic Champions 2025. Dundee United v Celtic, 26 April 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star).

“I’ve always said the hardest and most unrecognised position in a football club is the goalkeeper who isn’t playing. You’re travelling, you’re still sacrificing all the time away from family, and you’re never getting any of the accolades or the glory, but you’re still there, you’re supporting, and you’re still a part of the team. You’re still pushing, you’re still doing all the things that you have to do, but you don’t get the joy of the game.”

“To the whole goalkeeping unit, it’s such an important part of the one who’s playing to recognise and appreciate every effort that’s being put in.”

Conor Spence

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