Celtic’s reason for optimism between the sticks

It’s a small thing perhaps but it’s probably worth sharing as some others may feel the same way, some may disagree, but it also has a knock on effect on transfer dealings as we move towards the opening of the transfer window and we turn our minds to new arrivals to bolster an already strong core group of players.

Last summer’s (and arguably best) signing – via Brendan Rodgers rolodex apparently – was Kasper Schmeichel.

Now I’m sure there remains some recency bias amongst some of our support as to the overall impression our Danish international goalkeeper made, but if we’ve had enough time to absorb our cup-final defeat and reflect on the season as a whole I’m sure most of us can forgive the big fella chucking one in the net at Hampden.

That’s because over the piece big Schmeichel was a vital addition to the squad both in terms of the authority he displayed organising his defence, his ability to act as the team’s first point of attack and some of the big saves he produced, particularly in the Champions League where his presence was arguably most keenly felt. However, there was also another reason.

After picking up a broken bone in his shoulder –and playing on by the way – for Denmark against Portugal in the Nations League, Kasper dropped out of the Celtic side to recuperate and was replaced by Viljami Sinisalo.

The young ‘keeper had been picked up from Aston Villa for a modest fee, seemingly out of favour with Unai Emery’s impressive side but also on the back of a player of the year season with Exeter City.

I’d heard good things about young Vil and apparently, he’d come highly recommended by his Exeter boss and former Celt Gary Caldwell.

Now it would have been easy to write off the signing in a ‘back-up ‘keeper whoop di doo’ kind of way, but I have to say he struck me as an impressive young player.

It’s not easy to make a judgement on a small sample size but over the course of his eight appearances Sinisalo passed the eye test and had some good stats behind him to boot.

Sinisalo had four clean sheets from his eight appearances, he had an 89% pass completion rate – a good stat and essential for a Celtic goalkeeper – and he saved 80% of the shots he faced, 13 from inside the box and three from outside.

In fact, the only real downside to the Finnish ‘keeper’s season is that he only managed to play a total of 720 minutes for Celtic. However, there is probably good reason for that.

Firstly, he was signed as Celtic’s number 2 goalkeeper but also, he was playing support act to arguably Celtic’s best goalkeeper since Fraser Forster, I’ll let you all debate that one!

Moving forward Brendan Rodgers will surely now feel an element of genuine trust in Sinisalo’s performances. After all it’s one thing for a young lad to get an opportunity, it’s another to grasp that chance.

Rodgers will surely feel he’s done that but will be acutely aware to keep the player happy, further rotation, and ideally of a doubling at least of his minutes in the team, must be a target for both player and manager next season.

Kasper of course must remain as first choice but the auld fella’s getting on a bit now and may fancy a wee rest of the aching muscles a little more often in the coming months, and Sinisalo has proven he can step up with limited impact on Celtic’s overall performance.

Indeed, you could argue a season under the wing of Kasper has been greatly beneficial.

Considering we all know there has in the past been some friction both at Celtic and previous management positions when it comes to Brendan Rodgers transfer targets, the goalkeeper position may be an example where a Rodgers signing can be augmented by a youthful back up recommendation or a recruitment team choice.

With Kieran Tierney arriving on a free transfer this summer, thoughts will surely be moving behind the scenes to a backup option at left back, as it would seem Greg Taylor – and understandably so – doesn’t fancy playing a support act role next season.

If Celtic are indeed looking externally for a rotation left back, following a similar approach to the signing of Viljami Sinisalo may well be a good plan and a way to keep the age profile of the squad healthy, whilst also ensuring Brendan Rodgers is satisfied with his first picks and the recruitment team fell they have a genuine impact on Celtic’s signings.