BRENDAN RODGERS hailed Scott Sinclair after the attacker joined Celtic legend Jimmy McGrory in the record books with his goal in the 2-2 draw against Inverness Caley Thistle yesterday.
The 27-year-old, signed from Aston Villa, scored in his fifth successive Premiership game to become the first Celtic player to achieve that feat since McGrory, who played for the club between 1922 and 1937 and later went on to manage them, in the 1934/35 season.
Sinclair completed a scintillating solo run with a curling shot to restore the champions’ lead after Billy King had nullified Tom Rogic’s earlier effort. The day was spoiled when Alex Fisher’s headed in an equaliser two minutes from time totally against the run of play.
Rodgers said: “If Scott ends up like Jimmy, he will be all right. You can see he is quality. His ability to take the ball up the field quickly is there and he has a hunger to score goals. It was a wonderful finish.
“He is 27, not so many miles on the clock, but you see his speed and natural finishing ability and he will be disappointed he hasn’t scored more.
“He is enjoying his life in Scotland, loves playing for Celtic and will be a player who will go and be a great servant for the club.”
Sinclair said: “I wasn’t aware of the record until someone told me after the game.
“It is a good achievement, but you want to come off scoring goals and winning games, really.
“I just got into every game looking to create and score goals, but the main thing is getting three points.”
Caley Thistle can thank an inspired display by goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams for their draw, while the Parkhead side moved three points clear of Hearts at the top with a game in hand.
Rodgers said: “I thought we deserved the three points, but give credit to Inverness they kept going. We were disappointed to concede so late. Their keeper deserved it, he made some great saves and, at 2-1 you need that third goal.”
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