Neil Lennon’s big priority this summer has to now be finding a replacement for Scott Sinclair.
The Northern Irishman hasn’t been confirmed as the manager for next season, but he’s still in the running. Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox won’t have done him much good, but sealing a treble treble on May 25th could easily see the board onside with his appointment.
If that was to be the case, one of the biggest concerns is Lennon’s top summer priority.
He stated just last month that a new frontman was his number one target this summer. That’s despite having Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths, and Vakoun Issouf Bayo all potentially available next term.
But the reality is that Celtic need a replacement for Scott Sinclair more than anything else. It was shown on Sunday for all to see too.
Lennon dropped Sinclair for trips to Pittodrie and Ibrox over the last couple of weeks. That came after a season in which the Englishman bagged 53 appearances and 17 goals. But don’t be fooled by the goals either – Sinclair has been poor for the majority of the season.
Moves continuously break down with him in possession, whilst his passing, shooting, and hold-up play have declined immensely since his debut season in Glasgow.
Contract extension hopefully means nothing
Celtic recently triggered another year in his contract. But he’s had reported Championship interest this season too, so it’s not out of the question that the Hoops could just be looking to get some money for him.
Even more of a concern, however, is when you go through the list of potential replacements.
Lewis Morgan will return from Sunderland for next season, but if his up-and-down season at the Black Cats is anything to go by, he’s nowhere near ready to be our first-choice.
Then there is Jonny Hayes, who at this stage just isn’t good enough. He tried his best at Ibrox, and has been a realiable deputy all campaign when called upon. But he’s not anything more than that. Him being first-choice down the left isn’t even worth considering.
Mikey Johnston, meanwhile, needs a loan move. His two displays at Ibrox this season have shown us that he desperately needs to bulk up elsewhere.
Maryan Shved will be part of things next season after joining from Karpaty Lviv. But he’s naturally a right-winger, and has to be fighting it out with James Forrest as opposed to trying to get used to a position he isn’t comfortable in.
A top quality left-winger, therefore, has to be the top priority. Celtic have a huge lack of quality in that area as it stands, and Kieran Tierney could certainly use a hand next season.
If Lennon is the manager next year, then the last few weeks have surely proven to him that priorities need to change. And target number one simply has to Sinclair’s superior.
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