Viljami Sinisalo stepped up with confidence and composure on his league debut for Celtic, helping the Hoops secure a 3-0 win over Hearts and move within touching distance of another Scottish Premiership title.

The Finnish goalkeeper was handed a surprise start after Kasper Schmeichel suffered an injury while away on international duty with Denmark. 

In front of a packed Celtic Park, Sinisalo rose to the occasion, keeping a clean sheet and delivering a solid performance between the sticks.

Speaking in a post-match conference on Monday, the 22-year-old admitted the experience of playing in front of 60,000 fans was a milestone moment in his career.

Honestly! It’s what you want to do. It’s what every footballer wants to do”. 

Playing for a club like this and in front of 60,000 people, you never take it for granted. It’s brilliant.”

Sharing his opinions on his communication despite the loud noise, the shot-stopper revealed how challenging it is to hear himself barking out orders screaming to the center-halves on implementing certain things, and probably not hearing anything.

“You have to take these little moments you get where you can go closer and speak to them. He added.

Celtic’s dominant display saw them brush aside a lackluster Hearts side, with the win keeping the pressure firmly on at the top end of the table. 

Sinisalo had a few key interventions to ensure the clean sheet, especially in the first half when the visitors threatened on occasion.

With just three more wins needed to clinch the league title and Schmeichel’s return timeline still uncertain, Sinisalo may well find himself in goals for one of the defining moments of the season after the split. 

His assured debut will have given Brendan Rodgers confidence that he’s got a safe pair of hands ready when called upon.