OPINION
With Celtic chasing down an incredible third successive domestic treble there are a couple of Parkhead stars who deserve huge praise for their efforts.
The likes of Craig Gordon, Kieran Tierney, Scott Brown, Jozo Simunovic, Leigh Griffiths and Scott Sinclair have all been huge parts of the club’s recent success and the fans will no doubt be hoping that they can remain to bring yet more glory to Glasgow.
It would be impossible to pick out one man who has made the biggest impact but there can be no doubting that Sinclair’s arrival took the Hoops to the next level, playing a massive role in their unbeaten campaign – his debut season at Parkhead.
However, a worrying report suggests that the wide man could be on his way sooner rather than later, the Scottish Sun suggesting that he could be allowed to depart on a free transfer if Peter Lawwell does not trigger a one-year extension.
The thought of the forward leaving, let alone for absolutely nothing, is mind boggling, and the thoughts of former Celtic player Mark Wilson will likely resonate with plenty of the Parkhead faithful.
He was quoted by the Evening Times as saying: “I would keep Sinclair if it was me. I’ve always been a massive supporter of him. I think over the years wingers of his age gradually lose a yard of pace. But Scott has 17 goals this season, and that’s an incredible return for a wide man.
“Celtic have a flying machine on one side, they don’t need one on the other flank and he brings good balance to the side. I know there has been racist abuse and the bottle, but I don’t think it’s necessarily aimed at him. I think he is a strong enough character to deal with that.
“He’s loved his time at Celtic. It’s gave him a buzz at the tail end of his career that he maybe thought he wouldn’t have had. I don’t think he’ll walk away if there’s a chance of staying.”
The supporters had best be praying that Wilson’s verdict on Sinclair is right and that he is not feeling driven away from Celtic Park or Scotland – otherwise the Hoops are in for some serious trouble.
Trying to replace him with a like-for-like talent would be hard enough but without the chance of any sort of transfer funds for his exit – that makes it almost impossible.
If nothing else, the club have got to get him tied down to a deal so they can get some sort of cash into the coffers. Hopefully for the Parkhead faithful Wilson’s verdict rings true.