Viljami Sinisalo: The winning feeling is addictive | OneFootball

After the excitement and joy of last weekend’s league title triumph, Celtic are preparing for the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline at Hampden (Saturday, May 23, KO: 3pm).

Victory tomorrow, and another piece of silverware collected, would cap off an incredible week for the Hoops, a week which has come at the end of a long and difficult season.

The joy inside Celtic Park last Saturday as the Bhoys defeated Hearts 3-1 to win a fifth consecutive title showcased just how much success means to Celtic’s supporters, staff and players.

The image of Viljami Sinisalo wheeling away in celebration before Callum Osmand put the ball in to an empty net to secure the title in the 98th minute was just an example of how much that victory meant to the Finnish stopper.

And speaking to Celtic TV at Hampden Park yesterday, Sinisalo reflected on that winning feeling as he set his sights on more success.

“This week at Lennoxtown has been really good.” Sinisalo said. “Everyone understands the reality that we have a job to do at Hampden on Saturday and we’re very much focused on that.

“You come to a big club and the most important thing is always the next game.

“That’s very much the message that’s been drummed in to us all week and has been all season to be honest.

“Not many football players win a lot, so to be in that minority is a privilege and this is a club where it’s expected of you.

“You work so hard as a group of players and staff to have those moments that we had last week, and we’ll do our best to achieve that again this weekend.”

Standing between Celtic and a 43rd Scottish Cup are Dunfermline Athletic, managed by former Celtic player and manager, Neil Lennon.

The Pars have defeated three Premiership sides on their way to Hampden, dumping Hibernian, Aberdeen and Falkirk out of the tournament on their way to Saturday’s final.

Despite being a Championship side, Vil Sinisalo insists that everyone at Celtic has the upmost respect for Dunfermline and will not underestimate their quality this weekend.

He added: “Dunfermline have done so well to get to the final. Everyone understands that they’ve beat three premiership sides leading up to this point, so nobody is taking it lightly.

“There is full respect for them because getting to the final isn’t easy.

“We’re expecting a tough game, but we have to be at our game and showcase our personality.

“We’ll look to do that from minute one and hopefully we can get the job done.”

MORE PRE-MATCH BUILD UP

MATCH CENTRE

Fixtures

Celtic Vs. Dunfermline Athletic - Sat, May 23rd 2026, 15:00