Leaders will focus minds on the game
SCOTT SINCLAIR expects Scott Brown and Callum McGregor to keep all minds on the job tomorrow afternoon as Celtic host Rangers.
With no supporters inside Celtic Park it will be an odd introduction to a fixture that is defined by its noise and colour.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon recently lauded the will to win and innate desire of his players who have got over the line by grabbing late goals in recent games against St Johnstone and Riga.
And while Sinclair believes every player appreciates the magnitude of the occasion, he feels the likes of Brown and McGregor will ensure anyone handed a starting jersey knows what is at stake.
“I loved those games,” said the 31-year-old. “I loved the intensity of them and everything around them – the build-up and the feeling coming off the pitch after winning.
“I left a dressing room that knows that winning feeling well. You can be sure the likes of Scott Brown and Callum McGregor will have whoever starts the game well aware of how big it is.
“However, players understand a game like this instinctively. You hear so many former players talk about the fixture and deep down no matter who starts the game, they know just how big it is.”
Rangers won the last game between the sides way back in December. Sinclair, though, doesn’t see a repeat on the cards.
“I fancy Celtic will win it,” he said. “They have great players who know what it takes. We are playing Cardiff on Sunday so I’ll be straight off the training ground to watch the game.
“I am not a Celtic player anymore but I’m most certainly still a Celtic fan.”