Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo hopes his time in the starting eleven won’t be ending anytime soon after he kept a clean sheet in a penalty shootout Scottish Cup victory at Ibrox.

The Finnish international has started the last four games in place of an injured Kasper Schmeichel, all of which coming away to Stuttgart, Aberdeen and Rangers twice, with the Parkhead side coming through them all unscathed and kept two clean sheets in the process.

And the 24-year-old hopes to remain in the net for this Saturday’s contest against Motherwell at Celtic Park.

He told Celtic TV: “I’m loving every moment of it.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, play, like every footballer does, I’ve loved every single minute of it.

“So yeah, hopefully more to come.”

Despite being brought in as Schmeichel’s backup from Aston Villa in 2024, Sunday marked Sinisalo’s third derby match against Rangers, all occurring away from home and all three ending as a draw in regulated time.

The former Exeter player of the season admits that its s a ‘funny’ record that he wants to maintain.

“I suppose it is what every footballer wants to do, we want to play in the biggest games, which that fixture [vs Rangers] certainly is.

“It’s the games you come here and really want to be a part of, and hopefully I can stay unbeaten.

“That’s funny to hear, and obviously I’m just there to do my best for the team and if we manage to pick up results on the way, I’m happy with that.”

Celtic return to their home turf for the visit of Motherwell on Saturday, and Sinisalo is prepared for his own first game in Glasgow’s East End since February.

“It’s been a hectic last four games for everyone, a lot of travel, a lot of overnight stays, a lot of hotels and stuff.

“It’s great to get home, especially after such a positive run of four games. We’ve just got to kick on, you’re only as good as your next game.

“That’s how football goes, and we know how big these games are for us. We’ve got nine league games left, and hopefully a couple more in the cup.

“We’ll be fighting and I’m sure we will be fighting right to the very end.”

Celtic sit second in the league, five points off of leaders Hearts, one point ahead of third-placed Rangers, and five in front of Saturday’s guests Motherwell as the league takes its fourth last stop before a split for the ages.