Scott Sinclair hails Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers for reviving his career
Monday 24 October 2016 08:37, UK
Celtic winger Scott Sinclair has hailed manager Brendan Rodgers for reigniting his career after the team qualified for the League Cup final.
The 27-year-old had an eventful afternoon at Hampden and twice came close to scoring in the 1-0 victory over Glasgow neighbours Rangers.
He was thwarted by Matt Gilks in the first half when the Rangers goalkeeper blocked a low shot with his leg and Sinclair then hit the underside of the crossbar with a free-kick midway through the second period.
Celtic were also unfortunate to have a goal ruled out by referee Craig Thomson, who penalised Erik Sviatchenko despite television replays showing the defender had been fouled by Clint Hill.
But the Hoops were rewarded for their dominance three minutes from the end of regulation time when Moussa Dembele netted the decisive goal with a cheeky flick through the legs of both Rob Kiernan and Gilks from a low Leigh Griffiths delivery.
Former Chelsea youngster Sinclair was in danger of becoming England's latest nearly man after moves to Manchester City and Aston Villa turned sour.
But Sinclair is now back producing his best form after reuniting with former Swansea boss Rodgers at Celtic Park.
And both will have the opportunity to claim their first piece of silverware in November when Celtic play against their closest Premiership challengers in the final of the League Cup.
Sinclair said: "I could never have imagined things going as smoothly when I decided to make the move up here.
"The big thing for me was to come up here and enjoy my football again and get things back on track. I wanted to play under a manager who has belief in me.
"It's great now that we're in a final and we can hopefully get some silverware before Christmas. Things couldn't have gone any better.
"I feel my career is back on track now. You can see that when I'm enjoying football I play well every week.
"I've played under this manager on numerous occasions at Swansea and the youth team at Chelsea and he gives me confidence.
"When I was at Swansea enjoying it and scoring all the time it got me a move to City. Now I'm just happy and feeling at home up here at Celtic."
