Finland Head Coach praises Viljami Sinisalo’s Celtic progress | OneFootball

Finland head coach Jacob Friis has praised Viljami Sinisalo as Celtic’s current first-choice goalkeeper, but admitted the stopper could spend the upcoming international window travelling without seeing any action…

Sinisalo stepped into the starting role at Celtic in recent weeks following the absence of experienced Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who has missed the Hoops’ last three matches due to a mysterious illness.

The 23-year-old has been included in Finland’s squad for their fixtures later this month as part of the 2026 FIFA Series. However, the call-up means Sinisalo faces a lengthy trip to New Zealand, where Finland will meet the hosts and Cape Verde in Auckland.

Viljami Sinisalo of Celtic FC looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

Despite earning six senior caps for his country, the Celtic goalkeeper is expected to provide cover for captain Lukas Hradecky, who has returned to fitness and is likely to reclaim the starting spot.

Sinisalo may also find himself behind Palermo’s Jesse Joronen in the pecking order as Finland prepare for the two matches.

Speaking via The Herald, Friis said: “We have a real luxury in terms of our goalkeeping position now. Viljami Sinisalo took his chance and he is now Celtic’s number one keeper.”

“But the plan has always been for me that if our captain Lukas Hradecky is back fit and playing again, he will be our keeper in New Zealand.”

“No clubs have contacted us about pulling their players out because of the length of the journey, although I must admit I was expecting that.”

Super save from Viljami Sinisalo. Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

“Maybe managers will think it’s a long way, but clubs also cannot prevent their players from joining the national team. Of course it is a challenge, but we can do something to mitigate the effects of the journey.”

“We have contacted Finnish coaches working in the F1 series. They always travel between different travel zones. We received very good advice on dealing with jet lag. We are not the first to do this in sports and we certainly won’t be the last.”

Conor Spence

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