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Stagnant Scott Sinclair could hand outcast Jonny Hayes an avenue back into the Celtic first-team.

The Englishman hasn’t been hitting his previous heights to fans’ dismay. Whereas, Hayes is making an impression following his performance in Wednesday’s draw with Motherwell.

Sinclair needs time away for his own benefit

The 29-year-old winger has only scored five goals in 25 in all competitions this season.

Despite a big goal against Rosenborg, fans are still tearing their hair out over the once talisman.

Perhaps Sinclair is feeling burnt out and needs rest to regroup his thoughts.

This maybe showed when he missed a rare penalty against Aberdeen in Sunday’s League Cup final.

Additionally, his Motherwell performance left a lot to be desired and some fans were wondering why Sinclair was put on at half time ahead of James Forrest.

Winger doesn’t give up

Hayes hasn’t given up on his Celtic career, having had a long spell out with injury and not getting a consistent run in the team.

The winger returned to the team as the matches come quick in the run up to the end of the year. The Irishman was arguably man of the match and showed fans what they had been missing.

The 31-year-old was dangerous offensively and had his opponent in knots trying to chase him.

The Ireland international consistently tracked back to help Cristian Gamboa as well.

Manager Brendan Rodgers singled him out as one of the better players at Fir Park. If the gaffer’s confidence increases in Hayes, then he may be appearing more often.

Forrest will not be making way for him, so it will be Sinclair dropping out.

Rodgers really has no other options with Lewis Morgan and Mikey Johnston failing to amount a challenge.

If Hayes hits form then it’ll also mean Rodgers doesn’t need to splash out in the transfer market.

If he is handed a start on Saturday’s tie against Kilmarnock then it’ll show the faith Rodgers has in him.

Celtic are in a battle for top spot with the Ayrshire club and need all players to play out their skins.

Perhaps Saturday will be the making of Hayes at Celtic.