Sinclair expecting an attacking encounter

Scott Sinclair is expecting more excitement and drama when Hibernian travel to Celtic Park today.

The Ladbrokes Premiership matches at Parkhead and Easter Road between the clubs this season have both ended in 2-2 draws, while the Hoops won 4-2 in the Betfred Cup semi-final at Hampden Park in October.

The 28-year-old winger believes the Leith side’s propensity to attack will make for another cracking encounter.

The former Aston Villa and Manchester City player said: “They are a good side and every time we have played against them it has been an exciting game.

“They come out, attack and they have some good players,” he said.

“Teams come, sit back and go for the draw, but Hibs come straight out the blocks, they obviously want to win, they get on the front foot and it is an exciting game when we play against them.

Boss Brendan Rodgers is an admirer of Hibs manager Neil Lennon and how he “wants the players to express themselves”. He said: “Neil has a very good football side there and he tries to make them play as a big team.”

Marvin Compper (calf strain), Jonny Hayes (broken leg), Tom Rogic, Anthony Ralston (both knee), Stuart Armstrong (hernia operation) and Patrick Roberts (hamstring) remain out.

Striker Leigh Griffiths is pressing for a start after coming off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 2-1 win over Partick Thistle on Tuesday night.

Anthony Stokes will not feature against his former club after being ruled out by the manager, who cited offfield discipline problems.

Marvin Bartley is out with a knock, while Dylan Mcgeouch (dead leg) should be fit and Martin Boyle (achilles) is being assessed. Ross Laidlaw (shoulder), Steven Whitaker (pelvis) and David Gray (Achilles) remain out.

On the attack: Scott Sinclair in action against Hibs. Picture: SNS.