Sinclair backs Toure to guide them through tough away test

SCOTT Sinclair says Celtic will draw heavily once more on the calming influence of Kolo Toure as they look to survive what will likely be a tumultuous night in Israel to book their place in the group stage of the Champions League for the first time in three years.

The Scottish champions approach the second leg of their play-off tie against Hapoel Be’er Sheva on Tuesday night with the safety net of a three-goal cushion, following their 5-2 victory at Celtic Park.

That should be enough of a lead to secure safe passage, but Sinclair believes the experience of Toure, his former Manchester City team-mate, could be pivotal in ensuring they make it through the second leg at a hostile venue unscathed.

The former Liverpool defender has already made a big impression at Celtic, both in his solid defensive work and also with his willingness to make darting runs forward from the back.

“I’m not surprised Kolo has become such a big player for us because I played with him at City and I know he has quality,” said Sinclair, another of Brendan Rodgers’ summer arrivals. “He showed that again in the first leg. He has a good personality too.

“He has played at some big clubs so he can share that influence with the young players in the team and they can learn from him.”

Sinclair also praised the patience of the Celtic fans during the first leg, which saw Celtic’s 3-0 half-time advantage shorn to 3-2 early in the second half.

“Everybody keeps telling me about the atmosphere created by the Celtic fans but now I’m going through it for myself and realising how good it is. Hopefully we can get through and have more of these nights.

“I haven’t experienced anything like the other night before. When we walked out they made so much noise and then they were singing for the whole game. It spurs us on and when we did concede the two goals they kept right behind us, clapping and cheering us on.”