It will be interesting to see if Celtic manager Neil Lennon decides to surprise AIK with elements of his team selection for Thursday night’s second leg Europa League play-off tie.
A selection curveball could help the Hoops qualify for the group stages. Neil Lennon has not been afraid to do that before.
One curveball which would be completely out of left-field would be the return of Scott Sinclair to the Hoops starting line-up.
Sinclair has not even been in the Hoops squad in recent matches. However, Celtic could bring the player back into the fold for what is a very important match.
Lack of game time is an odd situation
It is a bit odd that Sinclair has featured so rarely for the Hoops this season. He has been one of Celtic’s best players in his time at the club.
However, Neil Lennon seems to prefer using the likes of Lewis Morgan and Mikey Johnston in the side. Sinclair has been excellent at times for Celtic in Europe though.
It should not be forgotten that his only goal of the season came in Europe, in the 3-1 win over Sarajevo. So perhaps the Hoops boss may decide to spring a surprise on AIK by starting Sinclair.
Move could be a master stroke
Should the move pay off, it could be seen as a master stroke by the Hoops boss. It could even lead for calls for Sinclair to be involved in Sunday’s Glasgow derby against Rangers.
That may be a step too far for the moment. However, Sinclair, if he is on form, has plenty to offer Celtic. Just look at the number of goals he has scored for the Hoops in his three seasons with the club.
With the goalscoring record Sinclair has, it makes sense for him to be involved against AIK at some stage of the game. It would be a decision which AIK would not be expecting, and it could pay off for the Hoops.
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