Scott Sinclair backs Celtic teammate Moussa Dembele to have impact against Barcelona

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The 20-year-old bagged a hat-trick in the Scottish Premiership victory over their Old Firm foes at the weekend.

Celtic’s Moussa Dembele and Scott Sinclair celebrate

Scott Sinclair has explained to the Evening Times that Moussa Dembele proved during the weekend’s Old Firm clash that he has the ability to make an impact when Celtic travel to face Barcelona on Tuesday.

The Frenchman celebrated his first appearance in an Old Firm game by bagging a hat-trick as Brendan Rodgers’ men romped to a 5-1 victory at Parkhead.

The Evening Times reports that Hoops talisman Leigh Griffiths – who missed the Rangers game due to a calf injury – will not be back in time for the trip to the Nou Camp.

And while it will undoubtedly be much tougher for the former Fulham man to breach the Catalan giants’ defence than it was to get through a very lacklustre Gers back-line, Sinclair has suggested that the 20-year-old can make the difference.

Griffiths looks set to miss the game due to an injury

“Griff being out was tough, but Moussa has stepped into the team, scored a hat-trick and done a great job,” he told the Evening Times. “With the squad we have, it’s great. You can’t get much better than a hat-trick against Rangers.

“He is a young guy who is working on his game and he keeps producing. If he keeps scoring hat-tricks like that, anything can happen. You can see all of his attributes. He is big, he is strong and that’s what you need as a striker.”

The Bhoys’ chances of taking Barca by surprise may perhaps be boosted by Dembele’s inclusion. Luis Enrique’s men would be forgiven for focusing much of their attention on trying to devise a strategy to keep Griffiths quiet, given the contribution he has made since the start of last season, and thus, they may be less prepared for the questions that Dembele will pose.

And with the youngster showing signs of genuine class and composure at the weekend, he may only need one opening to find the back of the net, and perhaps give Celtic a chance of springing a huge shock.