Scott Sinclair vs Mikey Johnston could perhaps be one of the most interesting individual battles of the season.
In our predicted XI early this morning, we selected Sinclair in our team to face Sarajevo. That may not be the feeling of Neil Lennon, but he may look at Johnston as an impact player in the heat of Bosnia.
But in any case, it’s also a bit of a toss-up too. Johnston is starting to stand out as the serious main rival to Sinclair’s Celtic jersey. There’s been a lack of competition for the Englishman since he arrived in Glasgow back in 2016. He’s always been our number one down the left side. Having scored 60 goals and bagged 34 assists, you can see the argument for him too.
Yet, at the same time, his performances last season left a lot to be desired. He’s yet to really put in a good display under Lennon, who continued to persist with him last season in any case.
Johnston starting tomorrow, if he manages it, could be the sign of a power shift at left-mid. It’s difficult to ignore the swashbuckling start Johnston has had to pre-season. Three goals in three games prove he’s ready for more opportunities. Given the fact he’s also appeared on numerous occasions on Celtic TV this summer, the club could be set to push him.
Scott Sinclair vs Mikey Johnston – only one long-term winner?
Looking at it from outside the club, Johnston certainly has the potential value that Sinclair doesn’t have. He has such raw talent, and whilst he’s highly-exciting as it is, goodness knows how good Johnston could be in a few years’ time.
Sinclair, however, is struggling to hit the heights of his first season. It’s been that way for a while now, and he’s had plenty of time to sort it too. Now, for the first time in his Celtic career, he has some real threatening competition for his left-mid slot.
It would perhaps be a nasty shock for Sinclair if he is dropped for the left-winger. It would also suggest that the jersey is now in Johnston’s hands. He may have racked up 27 appearances for Celtic already. A starting spot tomorrow, however, could be his most important of the lot.
Make no mistake, Sinclair’s place is up for grabs. It sounds incredible to say considering he’s the top scorer of the treble-treble run. But stats don’t tell you everything. Sinclair needs to seriously up it if he’s to keep his spot under the pressure Johnston is putting him under.
Sinky himself hasn’t started pre-season too badly. His only two goals, however, came against St Gallen’s under-21s. In other words, it was hardly a challenge. Johnston, meanwhile, has caused danger in all three pre-season games against senior sides.
We’re still going to lean towards Sinclair starting tomorrow. But if he doesn’t, it will hopefully be the nasty shock he needs to find some form again.
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