Celtic

Gareth Southgate snubs Scott Sinclair in England squad selection

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Gareth Southgate has claimed that Celtic star Scott Sinclair is “below the level” of England’s current attacking players. 

Southgate has the likes of Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford from a host of top Premier League clubs to provide goals for the country in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Sinclair, 28, was named as Celtic’s Player of the Year last season for playing a huge part in their domestic treble success and scored an impressive 35 goals in 65 games for the Hoops since his arrival in the summer of 2016.

Despite his impressive form in the Scottish Premiership, the England boss doesn’t think he is ready for his international call-up.

“I had a conversation with Brendan [Rodgers, Celtic boss] about him at the end of last season. He’s a good player but we have good quality in that area of the pitch and at the moment I think he is just below the level of what we have already got,” Southgate revealed, as quoted by ESPN.

“I would be happy to have that conversation [what he needs to do to break through] with him but I don’t think it’s appropriate to talk about performance aspects in public.”

The Daily Star report that Sinclair earns £25,000-a-week at Celtic.

OPINION

While Southgate has no plans for Sinclair in his England squad, it allows the midfielder to concentrate on his performance for Celtic. The Hoops will face Dundee at Celtic Park in a few weeks time, and last season’s Player of the Year will be able to focus on performing to his best ability in Scotland. Being told that he’s not up to the level of the other goal scorers in the England squad will also give the former Aston Villa star the incentive to prove Southagte wrong. 

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