Pat Bonner Impressed By Celtic Star’s Premiership Debut | Latest Celtic News
By Michael Shearer –
4 – 5 minutes
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner has praised Viljami Sinisalo for his impressive performance on his Scottish Premiership debut last Saturday against Hearts, with the Finnish keeper marking the occasion with a clean sheet.
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Sinisalo, who joined Celtic in the summer, had been waiting for an opportunity to showcase his goalkeeping skills, and Saturday’s match was his moment to step up.
Bonner was full of praise for the 23-year-old’s composure under pressure.
3A8XGE7 Heart of Midlothian’s Elton Kabangu has a shot on goal saved by Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday March 29, 2025.
He said: (BBC Sport), “I thought he did well, he did everything he had to do and he didn’t look out of place.
“It was a big occasion for him and he’s had to wait a long time for it after coming in last summer. It’s a big opportunity to show himself and for everyone else to see if he’s up to being a Celtic goalkeeper.
“He’s waited long enough for the opportunity and has had to make sure he’s ready to come in when called on.”
Looking ahead, Bonner believes Sinisalo’s impressive debut will give him the confidence to face upcoming challenges, including league games against St Johnstone and Kilmarnock, and the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone. The biggest test, however, could be a potential start against Rangers at Ibrox.
He said: “Now the moment’s arrived and I’d imagine he’ll still have the gloves for the league games coming up against St Johnstone and Kilmarnock. Then there will be the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone. After that? Who knows. But, of course, there’s a big one still to come against (the)Rangers at Ibrox and if he were to play in that then it would be a proper examination of his temperament and ability. For now, though, it’s about building on Saturday’s game.”
Bonner also pointed to Sinisalo’s crucial save at 0-0 during the Hearts game and was impressed with his overall performance.
He said: “He’s come through it with a clean sheet, he’s made a big save at an important time at 0-0 and I also thought he looked comfortable with the ball. There’s been no glaring errors and I thought he handled the occasion well.
“There was a lot of attention on him, not just the 59,000 fans inside the ground, but from everywhere else. Schmeichel’s played virtually every game but now Sinisalo’s got the jersey and so everyone’s interested to see how he does. The important thing now is that he builds on it.”
Viljami Sinisalo
7th June 2024; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: International Football Friendly, Scotland versus Finland; Tommy Conway of Scotland heads the ball towards goal but his effort is saved by Viljami Sinisalo of Finland
Bonner offers an analysis that not many can, discussing how Sinisalo will be feeling after making his Scottish Premiership debut against Hearts. Bonner, who made 483 appearances for Celtic in 19 years at the club, has seen and done almost everything you can at Celtic Park.
The Irishman knows the pressure that Sinisalo will be feeling right now. However, Bonner clearly sees potential in the Finnish international, who impressed against Scotland at Hampden Park last year before joining the Hoops. On Sunday, he will be given a further opportunity to impress against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park
For Sinisalo, this extended period in the starting XI is a huge opportunity to prove his worth and show Celtic fans exactly what he can bring to the team for years to come.
