Sinclair leaves a Celtic great

Celtic were invincible domestically in season 2016-17.  Players like Tierney, Dembele, Roberts and Rogic lit up the league, but Scott Sinclair was unequivocally Player of the Year.  His impact on the team was immediate, scoring 20 minutes after coming on at Tynecastle on his debut and turning up on all the big occasions.

His partnership with Tierney on the left forced opponents to become preoccupied with stopping Celtic down that wing, which allowed others freedom elsewhere.

One moment in particular stood out.  Celtic were 65 games into their unbeaten domestic run when they faced Motherwell at Fir Park in November 2017.  The same teams met three days earlier in the League Cup Final, which was settled when Scott won a penalty, converted by Moussa Dembele, which saw Cedric Kipre ordered off.

At Fir Park, the Motherwell fans jeered Scott every time he touched the ball, blaming him for making the most of the contact from Kipre.  It must have been a torrid experience for the player.  An own goal by Mikeal Lustig gave the home team a lead on 78 minutes but Celtic won a penalty with two minutes remaining.

When many players hide under that kind of scrutiny, Scott grabbed the ball, scored the penalty and extended our unbeaten run.  It was a great moment in our treble treble years.  He was a player who never hid.

The decision to take up the option to extend his contract by a year in May looked obvious.  He was a known resource at a time when the team faced a number of changes.  I have no idea why Neil Lennon left him out so much this season.  Mikey Johnston and Mohamed Elyounoussi are at the top of their game, but have been out injured simultaneously.  Still, Scott was only used for a meaningless Europa League fixture.

He leaves for Preston a Celtic great.