Michael Ballack comments on Celtic winger Scott Sinclair’s potential

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The 27-year-old has been sensational since joining Celtic in the summer.

Celtic’s Scott Sinclair in action with Rangers’ Wes Foderingham

Michael Ballack has suggested that Celtic winger Scott Sinclair has the potential and talent to become a player of international class, The Scottish Sun reports.

The 27-year-old joined the Hoops in the summer after a hugely underwhelming spell with Aston Villa. But he has made a blistering start to life with the Scottish Premiership side, scoring six times in just seven league games.

Celtic’s Scott Sinclair in action with Hapoel Be’er-Sheva’s Ben Bitton

And Ballack – who was playing for Chelsea when Sinclair was trying to break into the Blues’ first-team – has challenged the wide-man to build on the start he has made with the Bhoys and realise the potential he has always had.

“Scott was there too. It goes too quick sometimes with young players, putting them into the level in which they shouldn’t be at that stage,” he said, as reported by The Scottish Sun, when reflecting on Sinclair’s time with Chelsea.

Sinclair, during his time with Chelsea

“Of course, if you are talented and young then everyone thinks you can be the new…whoever, putting that pressure on them, you don’t help young players.

“He’s still very talented, he’s quick, he’s skillful. The onus is now on him to make another step. It’s not just about being a good player. I don’t want to use the term ‘world class’. But, ‘international class’ – that should be the target for him because the talent is there.”

Celtic’s Scott Sinclair during training

Celtic is arguably the perfect club for Sinclair to be at if he hopes to reach the level Ballack suggests he can reach. The fact that Brendan Rodgers’ men spend the majority of their games on the front foot means that the former Manchester City man will have numerous opportunities to get on the ball and perhaps give opposition defenders a torrid time.

And with the club also in the Champions League, Sinclair will also be able to test himself against players of the highest calibre.

And after a disappointing year with Villa, it is surely safe to assume that there will be little chance of Sinclair becoming complacent at Celtic as he will appreciate how lucky he is to be playing in a team that largely dominates the domestic game.