EXIT IS OUT OF THE QUESTION

Sinclair has no intention of giving up his Paradise

SCOTT SINCLAIR has insisted leaving Celtic is ‘out of the question’ as clubs in England ready themselves for a pursuit of his signature in the summer.

Brighton and Bournemouth were just two possible suitors for last season’s Player of the Year, who joined Celtic in a £3.5million transfer from Aston Villa in 2016.

Despite a healthy goal return so far this season, Sinclair has not hit the heights of his earlier campaign and has had to be content with a place on the bench recently.

But, speaking in the match programme for today’s encounter with Ross County, Sinclair (below) says: ‘It was just speculation and maybe because I didn’t play in the last couple of games — but I love this club and I love being here.

‘This is why I chose to play for Celtic. I’m happy and enjoying my football. There’s always going to be speculation but I need to put my head down and get back to the form that I showed the fans last year.

‘I have been to so many clubs and this is where I’ve been at my happiest. Leaving here would be out the question. I want to be here for ten-in-a-row.

‘The missus is settled and loves it up here — she loves the city and everything about it. We have another little one on the way as well. I’m in a happy place right now.

‘My confidence is still up there. I’m still confident I can score goals and play well but it’s just putting that on to the pitch and giving the fans something to cheer about.

‘I set my standards so high, winning Player of the Year and as a team we won an Invincible Treble, so it was an unbelievable year and those are the standards everyone expects now.

‘That’s fair enough and it’s about proving that, keeping your confidence up, which it is, and going out and performing.’

Manager Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, has hailed Scott Bain’s style as being ‘perfect’ for Celtic — with talks on extending the keeper’s stay likely to begin shortly.

Frozen out by Dundee manager Neil McCann in October, the 26-year-old was only able to sign on loan for Celtic until the end of the season because he did not play for Hibs in a previous arrangement.

Easter Road boss Neil Lennon is interested in taking Bain back once his Dens Park deal expires in June.

But Rodgers, who kept faith with the player last time out at Motherwell after his Ibrox heroics, is evidently keen on him pressing Craig Gordon for the No1 jersey next season.

‘I’ve spoken to Scott at length about the opportunity he could have here,’ said the Celtic boss. ‘Again, he’s a good example of a player other teams might look at and think he’s too small. But for me, in terms of how we work, he’s absolutely perfect.

‘His first game for us at Ibrox was a wonderful demonstration of personality, technique, composure under pressure plus he obviously makes saves.

‘His profile is well suited to being here.’