OPINION
It’s fair to say that Celtic attacker Scott Sinclair has had his fair share of criticism at times this season. There have even been some fans calling for his sale.
However, the 29-year-old forced his critics into sullen silence with a performance straight out of the top drawer in the Hoops’ 4-3 win over Aberdeen on Wednesday.
Not only did he bag a tremendous hat trick, he caused the Dons fits all day long as he shouldered the attacking burden at Pittodrie.
With striker Odsonne Edouard starting the game on the bench it was Sinclair who acted as the focal point up top for Brendan Rodgers’ side, and he didn’t disappoint. This was a statement-making performance from the former Manchester City man.
Edouard did his bit off the bench to help earn Celtic the victory, but Sinclair was the star of the show and the win will feel especially sweet for him.
He’s forced his way back into Rodgers’ plans this season after spending time out of the team early in the campaign, and he now looks to be back to his best as a goalscoring winger cum attacker.
Having that extra goal threat from out wide is crucial to the Hoops at a time when Odsonne Edouard is the only senior frontman available to Rodgers.
Calls for Sinclair to leave Parkhead now seem bizarre, quite frankly. Why would you discard someone who has such an obvious eye for goal, as well as a tendency to score in big games?
Sinclair’s Aberdeen performance was a shot in the arm for his team and for him personally. He proved his critics wrong and now must continue in the same vein if he is to have a long career in Glasgow.