It may be 5-0 on aggregate and a mere formality, but Scott Sinclair’s place in this Celtic team could rest on his performance tomorrow night.
His inclusion in the starting XI isn’t 100% certain, but it does seem likely. The Hoops boss Neil Lennon mentioned Sinclair as one of several players who could get their chance in Tallinn (Scottish Sun).
And, when you look around the squad, is this match as important to anyone as it should be for the Englishman? He’s the top scorer from our treble treble run and has over 60 goals for the Hoops in three years. But still performances haven’t been great for some time.
Lennon hasn’t been able to find a spark from the winger. It’s fair to say the Northern Irishman certainly hasn’t got the best out of him so far. But there’s still time for Sinclair to change that, and tomorrow night provides a real opportunity.
The Hoops winger has reportedly had a loan bid from Preston rejected for his services. But the Daily Record believes that Celtic are open to selling him outright. That’s not the best news for Sinclair to hear after recently signing a one-year extension.
A plethora of talent want Scott Sinclair’s place
But it’s not just the fact Celtic are considering selling him that should worry Sinclair. It’s the talent that’s currently vying for his place in the side.
At the moment, Sinclair is arguably third choice down the left. He’s behind Mikey Johnston most certainly, and even Lewis Morgan could be considered ahead of him when it comes to recent selections.
It’s not inconceivable to think that Tallinn will be Sinclair’s last start for some time. Once the season kicks off, we won’t have many opportunities like we do tomorrow night. A glorified friendly is a bit strong, but we’re effectively through, and it gives Lennon the freedom to give outcasts like Sinclair an opportunity.
When the campaign kicks off, it will be the players on-form who will get the most chances in Lennon’s side. At the moment, Sinclair falls nowhere near that category.
A positive display against Nomme Kalju, and it could open up more doors for the Englishman. But he isn’t currently part of our strongest XI, and he hasn’t been favoured by Lennon from the bench all that often either.
Tomorrow night marks the biggest game in Sinclair’s season so far. If there’s one player who can’t afford to think of this match as a formality, it’s certainly the former Aston Villa and Manchester City man. His place in the side could depend on it.
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