Chris Sutton believes that the emergence of Mikey Johnston is one of the main reasons for Scott Sinclair’s demise at Celtic.
The former Aston Villa man provided a reminder of what he is capable of in midweek when he came off the bench to score against Partick Thistle but it’s hard to see him being more than a peripheral figure this season.
Celtic took up an option in Sinclair’s contract in May but despite speculation of a move to England last month nothing materialised as Johnston established his place in the side.
A stunning goal away to Sarajevo in the first game of the season set the tone but whatever the generation or circumstances Celtic players will be judged on how they fare at Ibrox.
Last season Johnston was the scapegoat for two sub-standard team performances but Lennon stuck with the winger who turned on the magic at the start of the month.
An inch perfect pass for Odsonne Edouard created the opening goal with James Tavernier chasing shadows as he tried to back-track rather than tearing up the wing.
Johnston will miss today’s match at Hibs due to a thigh strain but Sutton is convinced that the Academy kid is now Celtic’s first choice winger.
Discussing Sinclair he told the Daily Record:
I know there’s been some fans wondering this year why he’s not been involved but I’d be willing to bet they were among those giving him stick last season. He was a shadow of himself at times and it led to frustration. Yet his absence was used against Lennon earlier this season and some times players look better the less they actually play.
Those criticisms have gone quiet now Celtic are firing on all cylinders but perhaps Sinclair sees what is happening and wants to be part of things again. The emergence of Johnston has been a positive for Celtic and he’s the kind of young player who’s the future of the club. That doesn’t mean Sinclair has to be consigned to the past just yet, though. It’s up to him to dig deep and prove he’s worth his place. He’s had peaks and troughs but we all know there’s a player there and it’s in his hands.
Sinclair is the top scorer during Celtic’s Treble Treble run of success.
