Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo has been handed a significant new responsibility with Finland after being added to his country’s revamped captaincy group.
The 24-year-old started Finland’s 7-0 Nations League victory over San Marino before experienced No.1 Lukas Hradecky returned for the goalless draw against Belarus three days later.
Sinisalo is still attempting to dislodge Hradecky between the sticks, but his growing influence within the Finland squad has now been recognised.
Kymppipaikka reports that the Celtic goalkeeper has joined Hradecky, Joel Pohjanpalo and Ville Koski in the national team’s leadership group following several international retirements.
And Sinisalo admits captaining his country would fulfil one of his biggest ambitions.
“It’s big. One of my biggest dreams has been to wear the ribbon on the Finland shirt,” Sinisalo said.
“It’s an honour to be in that group. If the day comes when I get to wear the ribbon, it’ll be a life-changing moment.
“I’ll try to help as best I can if I have to make a decision with the group. I’m starting to be in the middle-aged group in this group, which is pretty crazy to say. The captain has many roles on and off the field. Quite a nice choice!”
Asked what kind of captain he would be, Sinisalo added: “Probably quite loud.
“There is quite a lot of talk and that is probably the biggest thing. I try to take everyone’s opinions into account, and I have been lucky in that I have seen during my young career what good captains are like. “Luke” is a good example. He takes on every captain and molds himself accordingly.”
Hradecky pointed towards the Celtic goalkeeper’s previous leadership experience with Finland’s youngsters.
“Viljami was already captain in the under-21s,” Hradecky said.
Finland boss Jacob Friis has also highlighted Sinisalo’s personality and performances when explaining his inclusion in the new-look leadership group.
Sinisalo began the season as Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper following Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement before the arrival of Sam Johnstone increased competition.
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