Celtic v Hearts – 1. Turn up, 2. Play our game and 3. Most importantly, Win, says Scotty Sinclair

SCOTTY SINCLAIR today admitted that he was delighted at the recent contract extension that will keep him at Celtic for next season at least.

The popular winger has been in and out of the team this season as he has perhaps had his most difficult campaign of his three years wearing the Hoops. He had set himself particularly tough standards to maintain – he was sensational in the Invincible season, deservedly winning the Player of the Year award and was given that brilliant song by the supporters in appreciation. Then he followed that by being our top scorer in the Double Treble season – Sinclair has never seen any other side lift any silverware in his time in Scotland and that is something he is desperate to maintain come five o’clock on Saturday.

“That’s the main thing as players – winning games and winning trophies,” Scotty said to at Lennoxtown today, as reported on the official Celtic site.

“We need to turn up, we need to make sure we play our game, and most importantly, we need to win.

“We know exactly what we need to do, but we’re also very relaxed going into the game because we’ve been there before. We had a good few days and made sure we’ve had a good last week, so we go in full of confidence.”

Scotty has always been a favourite of ours on The Celtic Star, we go to the games, we’ve watched him from his very first game – when he gave one of our Bhoys a cuddle at Tynecastle after scoring that brilliant winner on his debut. There’s a huge photograph of that goal celebration up on the wall at Lennoxtown incidentally. Anyway, we’re just as pleased as he is that he plans to stay at Celtic.

“I’ve always wanted to stay. Everyone knows my situation. I love the fans, I love playing for Celtic. Playing in cup finals, there’s nothing better, and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

“To have won these trophies and to be part of this team, I couldn’t have wished for more.

“It all comes down to hard work and the winning mentality of the players. Every time we step out there, we want to win games and we want to win trophies. By winning games and trophies, it gives you confidence. This team is full of confidence, and we’re always fighting for places.

“It’s a great time to be part of the club, but we need to make sure we get the job done. There’s always going to be criticism, but if it was that easy, a team would have done it before. No one has done it, so it goes to show that it’s tough.

“With the game this weekend, it’s just about that one last push. It’s going to be a tough game, but I’m sure it’ll be a great game.

“I don’t think it’ll settle in with any of the players until years to come. First of all, we’ve still to get the job done. For us, going into this last game, there’s a lot of pressure on us, but hopefully we’ll be lifting the trophy.”

Scotty isn’t really sure whether he’ll start in the Cup Final or will be on the bench. He captained the side on Sunday against Hearts but faces stiff competition from Jonny Hayes and Mikey Johnston – who grabbed the two goals on Trophy Day. Whatever Neil Lennon decides, Sinclair will be ready to do his best when called upon.

“The manager will pick his team and if I’m not on from the start, I’ll aim to make an impact when I get on.”

Sinclair is perhaps the most successive of all the signings made by the former manager although some cynics might say that isn’t a particularly high bar! There is no question though that Scotty has been an excellent Celtic star performer from the word go. He’s quite happy with Neil Lennon as manager too incidentally.

“The manager has come in and he great. He’s got great passion for the club. He’s kept everything similar and made it as easy as possible for us,” Sinclair said. A few days ago James Forrest (The Celtic Star’s Player of the Year) gave Lenny his support – see HERE – and also revealed that all the Bhoys in the dressing room feel the same way.

Watch Scotty’s Media Conference below courtesy of Celtic TV…

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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