“I did struggle a lot in the first couple of months because it’s a different culture. It’s a very quiet culture in Finland and everyone minds their own business.

“During the first year of my scholarship, I picked up an injury very early on, which was difficult as I was 16 and it was my first time living away from home. I was thinking, ‘Can I do this?’.”

Sinisalo’s belief that he could make it as a pro was boosted as the first season of his scholarship reached its climax. The goalkeeper trained with the first team on a number of occasions, including in the build-up to Villa beating Derby County in the Championship play-off final at Wembley to secure a return to the Premier League.

The arrival of Neil Cutler as goalkeeping coach part way through that season played a part in his rapid rise while working with Academy coach Mark Naylor reaped benefits.

“Cuts has been top class. From the moment he walked in, I felt he took to me and helped me in any way I needed,” revealed Sinisalo.

Debuting at 15 and becoming a Brummie: Sinisalo's road to the Finland national team