Viljami Sinisalo receives weighty Celtic transfer praise as Brendan Rodgers lands keeper he REALLY wanted

Brendan Rodgers has revealed Viljami Sinisalo has been on Celtic's radar for 'some time' as he gets his summer business up and running.

The Hoops have snapped up the Finland international on a five-year deal from Aston Villa as he swaps the English Premier League side for a crack at Glasgow. Last season he spent the campaign on loan at Exeter City and was named Player of the Year for the English League One side. He picked up vital experience playing in 50 games in all competitions.

Fans have been awaiting official confirmation after pictures emerged of the 22-year-old at Glasgow Airport alongside his new colleagues as they jetted out to the USA for a pre-season tour. During the trip the Scottish champions will face DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea with the Parkhead faithful more than likely to get a first glimpse of the new man in action. Speaking after his move, he told Celtic TV: "I know Celtic is a huge football club and it’s really exciting to be part of something so big. It feels amazing."

Boss Rodgers added: : "I am delighted to welcome Vil to Celtic. He is a keeper with real qualities and someone we have been aware of and monitored for some time. Clearly we have been looking to develop our goalkeeping team and we are really pleased to have secured one of the talented keepers we really wanted."

Veteran keeper Kasper Schemeichel is expected to join in the coming days. The 37-year-old played under Rodgers at Leicester City and is expected to be the new No1 to replace Joe Hart. His experience will prove vital in the nurturing of Sinisalo with the keeper in it in Glasgow's east end for the long haul.