TALKING CELTIC
AS THE minutes tick by and Sunday’s kick-off time draws ever closer, one decision sticks out amongst the many Brendan Rodgers will have to make between now and when the Celtic team coach arrives at Ibrox to the traditional warm reception.
Does he go with a player who has done more damage in these games than any other in recent time, but who on current form should be nowhere near close to the line-up for Sunday?
Last season, it would have been inconceivable for a fit Scott Sinclair to be left out of the first XI for any game, never mind one of the biggest fixtures on the calendar. And now? Well, isn’t it odd how things can change so dramatically?
The Englishman helped himself to four goals against Rangers, including two at Ibrox, in a campaign in which every available individual domestic honour came his way and deservedly so.
Sinclair was unplayable at times. But the talk among Celtic supporters is whether he should play at all this weekend.
Sinclair’s drop in standards is more noticeable than it would be for another member of the squad for two reasons. Firstly, he was just so influential during the last campaign on the way to a watershed season for the club and, secondly, because even on a bad day, and there have been a few, this is one player who always makes himself available for the ball.
Rodgers loves Sinclair, and no wonder. He’s the consummate pro who works back in defence and with 17 goals and 15 assists during what has been an average season, boasts statistics his peers crave. His record last term was 25 goals and 11 assists, so it’s hardly the case that he’s not contributed.
But, and this is indisputable when watched week in, week out, he is not playing well. Defenders have worked out the winger’s favoured approach, they are now wise to him cutting in from the left to get the ball on his right foot, teams double up on him and the tricks which were coming off a year ago are nowhere to be seen.
With Mikael Lustig suspended, Rodgers may stick with the three-at-the-back formation which sees James Forrest and Kieran Tierney operate as wing-backs. If that is the case, Sinclair will be on the substitutes’ bench.
It would be a big call to make. It would also be the right one.
There is no joy to be gained by saying this. Sinclair in person is one of the most decent you could meet in football. He’s a humble lad and has embraced life at the club and in Glasgow.
But with so much at stake, with the gap so much closer than anyone would have believed, there is no room for a passenger and, while it may sound harsh, that’s what Sinclair has been in some games.
“I’m looking to get more goals and more assists than last year,” said the former Manchester City man. “Every player should look to build on the previous season and do everything they can to make themselves a better player than they were the previous year.
“You’ve got to set your sights high and expect to be scrutinised. When you play for a big club like Celtic, you’re always going to come under pressure. That’s to be expected.
“If I can get more goals and more assists than last season, though, I’ll be happy. At this moment in time, I’m concentrating with goals and assists.”
SINCLAIR is smarter than most and won’t need to be told he is off form. Footballers may live in a bubble but they know when they’re playing below their expected levels.
The 28-year-old isn’t a mystery any more. Defenders are able to guess what he’s going to do and this more than anything is why he’s struggled.
“Sometimes you just have to change your game,” said Sinclair in an interview with this week’s Celtic View. “Last year the opposition weren’t as familiar with how I played. This year I’m getting doubled-up on and managers are looking to stop me in any way they can.
“My job is to come up with different game plans and solutions for being effective in the game. As long as I’m contribut-