Premier Sports Cup Final – Time for Sinisalo to take the gloves | OneFootball

Is it time for Sinisalo to start for Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup Final against St Mirren at Hampden Park on Sunday afternoon? I reckon it is…

Kasper Schmeichel has been a great addition to our squad since signing in the summer of 2024, but this season he seems to be experiencing something of a steady decline, and it was something that was clearly evident yet again in last night’s defeat to Roma in the Europa League.

Kasper produced a couple of good stops, but it’s his all round game that is a cause for concern, particularly his movement and distribution.

I’ve lost count the amount of times our Great Dane  returns possession to the opposition during games, and last night it was something he was continually guilty of, as his slack attitude piled unnecessary pressure on an already exposed and fragile backline.

Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership 29/03/2025. Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo during the match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park, on 29 March 2025. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie/PSI

Ironically, his distribution was a key factor in our success last season, it was one of the main reasons Brendan Rodgers lured him to Glasgow, but that trait seems to have steadily diminished this season.

Kasper is 39, not past it in goalkeeping terms, but he’s no spring chicken, and it’s mightily evident his career at the top level is drawing to a close. Maybe it’s time he was taken out the firing line for not just his own good, but for that of the team.

It’s not as if we are devoid of options. Viljami Sinisalo who is deemed as Kasper’s understudy is a very talented and reliable candidate to fill the Denmark International’s  gloves.

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

At 24 and an international player, the Finn has all the attributes to be the undisputed number one at the club, as he’s shown in the appearances he’s made thus far, including of course at Ibrox.

The former Aston Villa man possess great shot stopping abilities, and his distribution is also impressive. More importantly he’s younger and hungry, and will be eager to prove himself on the big stage.

Is this the time for Kasper to step aside, and hand the reins to his fellow Scandinavian? Yes in my view. What do you think?

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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