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Scott Sinclair must be Celtic’s talisman against Valencia in the Europa League tonight.

The winger has come back from the winter break in fine form, scoring six goals in six games.

The Englishman fired in a hat-trick in Sunday’s cup game and must look to add to his tally against the Spaniards.

One thing often unnoticed about Sinclair is that he’s one of the more experienced heads in the team now.

The new young attack, featuring Oliver Burke and Timothy Weah, have benefited from Sinclair’s return to form.

It’s almost as if he has relished the challenge of mentoring the new blood up front.

He has notched 16 goals this season, and leads the way again as Celtic’s top goalscorer.

Against Valencia, he must continue to show Celtic the way to goal.

He must live up to his label of Celtic’s talisman. Sinclair can be the match winner for Celtic against tough opposition.

He most likely will be up against former Celtic target Cristiano Piccini, who should line up at right back for Valencia.

They may well have been teammates if Celtic got their way. Sinclair must ensure the Italian leaves the pitch wishing he was Sinclair’s teammate by the end of play.

It is likely Sinclair will be Celtic’s out ball along side Burke in attack. An underrated aspect of Sinclair’s game is his ability to carry the ball forward.

He’s an absolute workhorse for Celtic, and it often goes unnoticed. Sinclair must be able to travel with the ball confidently up the park.

If he can do this, there’s every chance his teammates will get up with play and reap the rewards of Sinclair’s hard work.

Be the talisman

Sinclair has been quiet for Celtic this season in Europe. However, his contribution has been key when his team needed him the most.

He played the pass which led to Ryan Christie bursting into the box against Leipzig. Christie’s pinpoint cross was tapped home by Odsonne Edouard which gave Celtic a crucial win.

Then in their next tie, Sinclair popped up at the back post to head Celtic to victory away in Rosenborg. On a night where it may not have happened for Celtic in front of goal, their talisman led the way.

Against Valencia, Sinclair must be Celtic’s talisman again. Their chances may depend on him.