Celtic stopper stakes No.1 claim with clean sheet in emphatic Nations League victory

Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo enjoyed a perfect start to the international window as Finland cruised to a thumping 7-0 victory over San Marino.

The Hoops shot-stopper was handed a start for the Nations League encounter and marked the opportunity with a clean sheet on a memorable night for his country.

Finland’s seven-goal victory matched their 7-0 away win against Estonia in 1994, although Sinisalo was largely a spectator as San Marino failed to register a single shot on target.

Nevertheless, it was another valuable international appearance for the Celtic goalkeeper as he attempts to establish himself as Finland’s long-term number one.

Sinisalo remains behind experienced captain Lukas Hradecky in the pecking order and is under no illusions about the challenge of displacing the long-established Finnish goalkeeper.

Speaking after the San Marino victory, Sinisalo said: “If minutes come, I’m ready. If not, I’ll help as one of the captains and a good teammate.”