The 'ultimate' Celtic dream one star wants to make reality as there's one box left to tick on Parkhead bucket list
VIljami Sinisalo managed to pack a lot into his eight-week stint between the sticks for Celtic.
The Finn managed to tick off a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden, a derby clash at Ibrox and he was in the Hoops side as they eased over the Premiership finishing line at Tannadice.
But there's one bucket list target he's yet to achieve at Parkhead – and he'd love to do it this term.
Sinisalo is ready to scrap it out with Kasper Schmeichel for the No.1 spot and he has one huge ambition in his sights.
The former Aston Villa player said: 'I'd love to play in the Champions League. That's the ultimate dream for every player.
'I really enjoyed playing in those big games last season, I got to experience different challenges like going to Ibrox, playing in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden, in the league-clinching game at Dundee United. The Champions League is the one I haven't done yet and that is everyone's dream.
'Any chance you get to play for the club is brilliant but to play on that stage would be special. I just need to keep working hard to make sure I'm ready.'
Sinisalo had the best seat in the house for Celtic's European campaign last term and already feels the side are in great shape for another crack this term.
Celts will need to negotiate a perilous qualifier to get there this time but Sinisalo is convinced Brendan Rodgers' men can top their knockout stages run.
He said: 'We've got to take a lot of confidence, especially from the mentality we had going into games in the Champions League.
'There was a real belief going into every match, especially at home, and we could feel it from the supporters as well. You hear the roar and the anthem and you think, 'yeah, we've got this', whether you are playing Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig or Young Boys.
'That's something we have to build on and improve on last year. That's what we are trying to get towards. We have to get there first as we have this qualifier to try to get through but that is the aim.'
Sinisalo is bullish about the Champions League bid but he knows he also has a job on his hands shifting glove rival Schmeichel in the short term.
The 23-year-old already looks well equipped to become the eventual main man at the club. But he's not going to just stick the feet up until the time arrives.
Sinisalo was pitched in towards the end of last season after Schmeichel got crocked and never looked out of place. He was ice cool at Ibrox and a safe pair of hands everywhere else to win over supporters sharpish and earn praise from legendary Parkhead keeper Packie Bonner.
Sinisalo said: 'It was a nice break but I'm excited to be back and I'm trying to build on last season. It was nice to play towards the end of last season, and play in meaningful games.
'I got to experience what it is to be a Celtic keeper. Everyone wants to play and hopefully I can play a bit more this year.
'I've just got to work hard and be ready for the opportunity. Of course it's nice to hear that kind of praise. I'm just trying to do my best and show people what I'm about.
'I want to show I can be a Celtic No.1 – that's what I am driving towards. If there's praise, then great but if there's criticism fine, because I'll be my own biggest critic anyway if the time is right.'
It was Schmeichel who suffered some criticism in the wake of his mistake in the Scottish Cup Final – at the end of a superb campaign where he got rave reviews.
The great Dane knows it's the life of a keeper, where you can make a string of stunning saves but it only takes the slightest of slip-ups to get punished.
Sinisalo isn't worried about any Hampden hangover for his fellow keeper though.
He's just looking forward to the pair of them pushing each other on every day in training.
Sinisalo said: 'Kasper has experienced a lot in his career. He's a winner. He knows what he is doing. It's more a case of me learning from him. He's brilliant to work with.
'Even when he was injured and out of the team he was still a major voice and big presence in the team. He's big for us. Kasper was brilliant last season and I'm sure he will be again. I've really enjoyed working with him.
'Every keeper wants to play, so if the chance comes I'll hopefully grasp it with both hands.
'I'm working towards eventually being No.1 at the club but myself and Kasper have a great relationship. We really push each other to be the best we can be.
'That will continue. I wouldn't call it a rivalry as such. We are good friends but we are trying to push each other, and that's the best environment to be in.
'When you know the keeper ahead of you or behind you is doing well, it just forces you to push to get better. That's what good team-mates do. It's what we've been doing and what we will continue to do.'
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