Latest news with #Sinisalo
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
The 'ultimate' Celtic dream one star wants to make reality as there's one box left to tick on Parkhead bucket list
Viljami Sinisalo has only played eight times for Celtic and he's hungry to add to that – in one competition in particular 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.'
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Benjamin Nygren will blow Celtic fans away as Viljami Sinisalo reveals what he's known for years
The Finnish keeper heard all the talk about Nygren as a teenager and faced off against the Swede in plenty of youth internationals Viljami Sinisalo reckons Celtic fans are going to be blown away by new Bhoy Benjamin Nygren. The Hoops keeper squared up with the Sweden ace with Finland numerous times through the youth levels in Scandinavia. And he revealed Nygren was always identified as the danger man – as he was one of the top kids on the continent at the time. The attacker checked in from Nordsjaelland on a bargain £1.7m deal and is set to get his first run out for the Hoops in Saturday's closed doors bounce game against Estrela da Amadora in Portugal this weekend. Supporters will need to wait a few more days to see Nygren in the flesh but Sinisalo has told punters to prepare to be wowed. The keeper said: 'I've played against Benjamin quite a few times when we were youth internationals. 'We're the same age and there's a little bit of a rivalry going on with the Finland v Sweden situation. 'I think he scored a couple against me for the under 17s or something! I remember he was always the main man when we played them. There was always a lot of talk about him, with various clubs looking at him. At under 16 and 17 levels, he always played a few groups up as well. 'He's a great guy. He's close friends with one of my friends back home as well so I know a lot about him. I've got nothing but good things to say about him. 'He's got a lot of ability but he's also a very nice guy, he's very down to earth and looking to work as hard as he can. 'I've been really impressed, but it's no surprise. He's a brilliant, athletic, footballer, who is very good on the ball. 'We are going to see a lot from him this season. 'I think Celtic fans are going to be very excited watching him.' Sinisalo has also been hugely impressed by returning Kieran Tierney – and he reckons Celts have landed a player with serious Premier League talent. He said: 'Keiran is obviously coming in with a lot of pedigree. He's playing at big clubs, playing in the Premier League and knows what it's all about at Celtic as well. 'He's a brilliant footballer, first and foremost, you can see it daily in training. You can see why he's played in the Premier League and won things here too. 'You see his mentality. It's something young players can learn from, whether you are an outfield player or a goalkeeper, that's what we are all trying to do.'
Glasgow Times
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Rutherglen man who chucked bottle at Celtic goalkeeper jailed
Andrew Watt, 34, launched the missile at the Finnish international at Ibrox Stadium on May 4, 2025. Andrew Watt (Image: Mike Gibbons, Spindrift) Rangers drew 1-1 with the Scottish Premiership champions that afternoon. Watt initially threw a cigarette at Mr Sinisalo after Celtic scored their equaliser through striker Adam Idah. He then picked up a half bottle of Buckfast and hurled it at the goalkeeper, who celebrated the goal in front of the Rangers fans. The bottle was later handed to police officers by a Rangers substitute. Watt was identified the following day on CCTV due to his "distinctive white teeth." Watt pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Mr Sinisalo. Sheriff Mark McGuire told Watt, of Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, that his actions were not of a "fan" but a "vicious drunken hooligan." (Image: PA) READ NEXT: Glasgow man threw incendiary device at window The sheriff added: "Your motive was victim blaming. You came to throw a bottle after he celebrated his team scoring an equaliser. "That is his job - your victim was doing his job - the man was at his work. In what possible world could you or anyone else think it is acceptable to throw a bottle at someone at his work? "Had the bottle hit him, the consequences could have been catastrophic, career-ending or worse. In a febrile atmosphere in a stadium which holds over 50,000 people, your actions could have sparked a riot. "It was not just an assault on Mr Sinisalo - what you did could have endangered everyone, man, woman and child that afternoon. "In all the circumstances, to punish you and deter others from acting like you did and to protect the public, I am satisfied there is no alternative to a custodial sentence." Watt was also banned from all football matches for a period of six-and-a-half years. The court heard that after Adam Idah scored, there was a VAR check on the goal to see if it would be allowed. After a two-to-three-minute stoppage, the referee awarded the equalising goal to Celtic. Prosecutor Leo McGinn said: "At that point, Mr Sinisalo turned back to his own goal towards the Rangers fans and pumped his fists. "This sparked an angry reaction from the Rangers fans behind the goal, and a half bottle of Buckfast was thrown in his direction. "The bottle did not strike him but landed on the field of play." READ NEXT: Update on finance firm's case against Rangers in Court of Session The bottle was handed over to police officers by a Rangers substitute, but the perpetrator was unknown at the time. A CCTV investigation was carried out by police the next day, which identified Watt as being responsible. Mr McGinn added: "He was seen to throw a lit cigarette in Mr Sinisalo's direction, which had not been spotted by officers. "Watt could be identified by his build and distinctive white teeth." Watt later handed himself in to police officers after he was aware that they were looking for him. Kevin Corr, defending, told the sentencing that Mr Sinisalo was "not gloating" before the assault took place. The lawyer added: "The stadium was tense at the time while the decision was being awarded. "My client had been consuming alcohol on the morning of the game and continued drinking during the match. "It was not a full half bottle of Buckfast as it was in the second half of the match. He knows that this is the behaviour of someone in their teens rather than someone in his mid-thirties - there is no attempt to minimise or justify what happened." The hearing was told that Watt has 21 previous convictions, which include two football-related matters from 2013 and 2015, the latter of which saw him jailed for 10 months with a three-year football ban.
STV News
20-06-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Man jailed for throwing glass bottle at Celtic goalkeeper during Old Firm match
A man who chucked a bottle at Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo during a derby match with Rangers has been jailed for eight months. Andrew Watt, 34, launched the missile at the Finnish international at Ibrox Stadium on May 4, 2025. Watt initially threw a cigarette at Mr Sinisalo after Celtic scored their equaliser through striker Adam Idah. He then picked up a half bottle of Buckfast and hurled it at the goalkeeper who celebrated the goal in front of Rangers fans. The bottle was later handed to police officers by a Rangers substitute. Watt was identified the following day on CCTV due to his 'distinctive white teeth'. Watt pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Mr Sinisalo. Sheriff Mark McGuire told Watt, of Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, that his actions were not of a 'fan' but a 'vicious drunken hooligan.' The sheriff added: 'Your motive was victim blaming. 'You came to throw a bottle after he celebrated his team scoring an equaliser. 'That is his job – you victim was doing his job – the man was at his work. 'In what possible world could you or anyone else think it is acceptable to throw a bottle at someone at his work? 'Had the bottle hit him, the consequences could have been catastrophic, career ending or worse. 'In a febrile atmosphere in a stadium which holds over 50,000 people, your actions could have sparked a riot. 'It was not just an assault on Mr Sinisalo – what you did could have endangered everyone man, woman and child that afternoon. 'In all the circumstances, to punish you and deter others from acting like you did and to protect the public, I am satisfied there is no alternative to a custodial sentence.' Watt was also banned from all football matches for a period of six-and-a-half years. The court heard that after Adam Idah scored, there was a VAR check on the goal to see if it would be allowed. After a two to three minute stoppage, the referee awarded the equalising goal to Celtic. Prosecutor Leo McGinn said: 'At that point, Mr Sinisalo turned back to his own goal towards the Rangers fans and pumped his fists. 'This sparked an angry reaction from the Rangers fans behind the goal and a half bottle of Buckfast was thrown in his direction. 'The bottle did not strike him but landed on the field of play.' The bottle was handed over to police officers by a Rangers substitute but the perpetrator was unknown at the time. A CCTV investigation was carried out by police the next day which identified Watt as being responsible. Mr McGinn added: 'He was seen to throw a lit cigarette in Mr Sinisalo's direction which had not been spotted by officers. 'Watt could be identified by his build and distinctive white teeth.' Watt later handed himself into police officers after he was aware that they were looking for him. Kevin Corr, defending, told the sentencing that Mr Sinisalo was 'not gloating' before the assault took place. The lawyer added: 'The stadium was tense at the time while the decision was being awarded. 'My client had been consuming alcohol on the morning off the game and continued drinking during the match. 'It was not a full half bottle of Buckfast as it was in the second half of the match. 'He knows that this is the behaviour of someone in their teens rather than someone in his mid-thirties – there is no attempt to minimise or justify what happened.' The hearing was told that Watt has 21 previous convictions, which include two football-related matters from 2013 and 2015 – the latter of which saw him jailed for ten months and handed a three-year football ban. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
20-06-2025
- Daily Record
Rangers fan who threw bottle at Celtic keeper Viljami Sinisalo named and jailed
Andrew Watt, 34, was sentenced to eight months in prison after pleading guilty The Rangers fan who threw a bottle at Celtic keeper Viljami Sinisalo during the Old Firm in May has been jailed for eight months. Sinisalo was targeted towards the end of the 1-1 draw on May 4 when a Buckfast bottle was launched in his direction from the home end as he celebrated in front of the Rangers support. Andrew Watt, 34, pleaded guilty to the charge at Glasgow Sheriff Court after it had been found that he had also thrown a cigarette at Sinisalo before picking up a half bottle of Buckfast and hurling it at the keeper. The bottle was handed to police officers by someone on the Rangers bench and the court heard Watt was identified a day later due to his "distinctive white teeth." And Watt, who has 21 previous convictions including two football related matters, including one in 2015 which saw him jailed for ten months and banned from football stadia for three years, was told he acted like a 'vicious, drunken hooligan' by Sheriff Mark McGuire. He added: "Your motive was victim blaming. You came to throw a bottle after he celebrated his team scoring an equaliser. "That is his job - your victim was doing his job - the man was at his work. In what possible world could you or anyone else think it is acceptable to throw a bottle at someone at his work? "Had the bottle hit him, the consequences could have been catastrophic, career-ending or worse. In a febrile atmosphere in a stadium which holds over 50,000 people, your actions could have sparked a riot. "It was not just an assault on Mr Sinisalo - what you did could have endangered everyone, man, woman and child that afternoon. "In all the circumstances, to punish you and deter others from acting like you did and to protect the public, I am satisfied there is no alternative to a custodial sentence."
