3 takeaways from Celtic’s 4-0 win over Linfield

With the plethora of media attention yet again being focused on what went on in the stands rather than on the pitch, you would be forgiven if it had slipped your mind that Celtic actually advanced to the next qualifying stage of the Champions League beating Linfield 6-0 over two legs.

The second leg was an emphatic 4-0 victory for the hoops and here are three things that we can take away from the game.

Scott Sinclair is just getting better

When Scott Sinclair rocked up to Parkhead last August few Celtic fans including myself could foresee the monumental impact he was about to have on our season. His speed and quality down the wing dazzled many a defender both in Scotland and in Europe elevating him to an instant hit with the supporters.

He capped off his perfect first season scooping a number of  individual and team accolades including SPFL Player of the year, SPFL Players player of the year and Football writers Player of the year.

This magnificent season was always gonna be a tough one to follow however, Sinclair does not appear to be taking his foot off the gas if his recent performances are anything to go by.

Celtic may have only played two competitive games this season as well as a handful of friendlies but Sinclair looks more focused than ever. The Linfield players simply couldn’t keep up with the English man as he turned them inside out on several occasions bagging three goals in the process.

It is very early to be predicting that Sinclair will surpass his incredible form last season although the early signs are good.

Ntcham can play

There has been a lot of media speculation in the past few weeks that has some Celtic fans worried . Most of it regarding the impending departure of the highly sought after Stuart Armstrong. The Scot who at one stage looked like he wasn’t quite cutting it at the hoops has been a revelation under Brendan Rodgers.

Given that he was another of Celtic’s stand out players last season, news of his possible departure to the premier league was met with annoyance by almost all of the Celtic support. If he is to leave however that blow may be softened by the signing of Oliver Ntcham.

Ntcham made his competitive debut against the N.I champions and played his part in a few of the goals before being taken off in the second half. Celtic fans were clearly impressed with what they saw with several of them taking to Twitter to describe their excitement at the 21 year old Frenchman.

The fans certainly seem to have warmed to Ntcham very quickly. I personally think that he could be a great signing for us especially in Europe. He could be that extra bit of quality that is needed in the big Champions League ties.

Depth in the squad

Rodgers has had somewhat of a clear out of fringe players in the last few weeks with Izaguirre set to be the latest causalty of the Parkhead rebuild. Gary Mackay-Steven and Saidy Janko have also departed the club for pastures new as they saw very little opportunity of first team football in Glasgow.

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With some of the deadwood being shipped out Rodgers looks to have made some tremendous acquisitions in key areas of the field. The aforementioned Ntcham looks a serious talent going forward, alongside him is Jonny Hayes and 19 year old Kundai Benyu (who has recently changed the managers mind about a possible loan).

It is clear to see what the gaffer is trying to build. A young tecnically gifted team brimming with confidence and self belief.

I don’t think the summer spending has finished just yet as we do look short in the center of defense. Dedryck Boyata is set to miss several months with a knee injury leaving only Jozo Simunovic and Erik Sviatchenko to man the backline.