The swagger to earn his shot against Scots

good enough to put a Parkhead representative in the visiting line-up.

Asked if Sinclair was a genuine candidate for full England honours, Rodgers said: “Gareth has got a lot of choice but, yes, if they’re looking at a player of technique who provides a genuine goal threat.

“Gareth played 3-4-3 in one of their last games, which we play at times, so he knows the role and you need people who are direct, who can score and play. What Scotty has shown, which maybe he hadn’t in the last few years, is that he has the confidence.

“I’m a manager and coach who tries to improve weaknesses. I look at a player’s strengths and what they’re good at, making them better.

“With Scotty, he has shown that and with England, he suits the criteria. He’s fast, strong, has good technique, an eye for goal, robust and works hard. It wouldn’t surprise me. Having worked with players at that level closely, he’s at that level.”

Rodgers has brought Sinclair’s best out after struggles at Manchester City and Aston Villa and the Parkhead boss added: “I tend to lead in a different way. My way of leadership is a shift from areas of weakness to focus on strengths. I’m pretty sure Lionel Messi isn’t out working for an hour on headers every day because he’s not great in the air. He’ll work on things he is good at. What are people good at? Can you make that better and give them confidence?”

The manager also confirmed talks are still ongoing regarding a new deal for midfielder Stuart Armstrong.

He said: “I’m sure that pretty soon we’ll look to get something sorted.”