Neil Lennon responds after fans criticise treatment of Scott Sinclair

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Celtic winger Scott Sinclair has become a forgotten man under Neil Lennon.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has told The Scottish Sun that he doesn’t want to treat Scott Sinclair badly, but he’s struggling to get into the team.

The Bhoys have seen Sinclair star at Parkhead since his 2016 move from Aston Villa, as he chose to reunite with his former Chelsea and Swansea coach Brendan Rodgers.

Sinclair racked up 60 goals in 153 games for Celtic before the start of this season, but he has been phased out by Lennon so far.

In Champions League and Scottish Premiership games, Sinclair has played just 56 minutes of action and has managed to pick up one goal.

The 30-year-old had a one-year option in his contract taken up, but was linked with a move away from Parkhead over the course of the summer.

Fans have been disappointed with Sinclair’s continued absence, as not only is he struggling to make the starting line-up, but recently he hasn’t even been on the bench.

Lennon currently seems to prefer Mikey Johnston, Lewis Morgan and James Forrest, whilst youngster Maryan Shved is pipping him to a substitute spot.

Lennon has now commented on the situation, stating that he understands if Sinclair feels ‘put out’ right now, admitting that the winger is finding life difficult at the moment because he can’t get into the squad, but just feels other wide men are in better nick right now.

“It’s understandable if Sinclair feels put out,” said Lennon. “We don’t want to treat him badly because he’s a senior pro. It’s just that he’s finding it difficult right now to get into the squad. I can’t pick six wingers.”

“It’s been tough for Scott. We have a lot of options on the wings. We look a threat. We have good pace in the team, something which Mikey brings to us. Our wide men have been playing so well and we’ve been scoring goals,” he added.

With less than one year left on his deal, we seem to be heading towards Sinclair leaving Celtic one way or another, and with Lennon continuing to leave him out, a divorce will surely come in 2020.