OPINION
For Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers to drop the axe on star winger Scott Sinclair after his hat trick heroics would be a huge bombshell to everyone at Parkhead – not least the player – but that is exactly what he has to do if he wants to succeed against Valencia.
The Hoops play host to their Spanish counterparts on Thursday evening looking to take command of their knockout tie and progress further in the competition than they managed last season, toppling out after finishing third in their Champions League group.
Rodgers and his men come into the tie off the back of a convincing 5-0 victory over St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup, Sinclair stealing the limelight with three goals, but taking on the La Liga side will be a different kettle of fish.
Sinclair might have found his groove against the Saints but his overall record is nothing to write home about and a training ground report means that the manager has to spring a shock.
The Daily Record claim on their website that the Bhoys should see Oliver Burke feature against the Spaniards after hobbling off in their cup clash and considering the difference the West Brom loanee has made this season has to be part of the starting XI – just not as a striker.
His place up top reduces his impact on the whole and he has to be put in as a winger instead, Odsonne Edouard taking the spot up top to bring balance to the attacking line up.
Dropping him to one of the wide positions means Sinclair and James Forrest are under threat and you can hardly axe the Scottish ace, meaning his English counterpart is the one who needs to find himself benched.
After his weekend heroics it would be a huge shock – but one which brings the best out of a supremely talented Celtic side.