Why it's now or never for Scott Sinclair

By David Walton

September 30, 2018

Scott Sinclair’s goal against Aberdeen now has to be the moment his Celtic career sparks back into life.

We’ve been over this road before with the Englishman. Goals on certain occasions have left us all hoping that would be the moment Sinclair came good again. So far, none of those previous strikes have been proceeded by an increase in form.

There was a different feeling about yesterday’s winner in the 1-0 success against the Dons, however. When the ball came to Sinclair, he didn’t miss-hit a shot home or get lucky via a deflection. Instead, he showed terrific skill and awareness to set himself up and back-heel it into the net.

Scott Sinclair has to use Aberdeen goal as a springboard for further success (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

It was a terrific piece of invention by Celtic’s number 11, who’s been much-maligned in recent months. The left-winger has been a shadow of his former self, and seems to be lacking so much of the confidence that made him a rip-roaring success in his first season.

Competition for places

In terms of his time to impress, Sinclair’s is running out. Lewis Morgan has returned to full-fitness and looking to battle him, whilst Mikey Johnston is sniffing around the first-team too. Competition is heating up, and Sinclair just can’t afford to be left behind with his poor performances.

Celtic fans know all about Sinclair’s true abilities. When he’s on his game, he’s the best player in Scotland bar none. Nobody can touch him, and he is a massive game-changer for the Hoops going forward.

Lewis Morgan is back and looking to impress Brendan Rodgers (Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)

The problem is that supporters haven’t seen enough of that from him this season. Even last term, Sinclair popped up with a few goals and never really brought back the form that made him so popular at Parkhead.

Now, he has a golden chance to do it once more. His goal yesterday was just different to any other he’s scored so far in recent memory. There was relief, jubilation, and euphoria. It was also his first Celtic Park goal since January.

If Sinclair can’t use this huge strike against the Dons as a springboard this time around, his future should be in massive doubt.