Statistically speaking, Scott Sinclair has been one of England’s best wingers for the past 18 months or so. Of course, you will always find the argument about the SPL being an ‘easier league’ for players to flourish in, but whichever way you look at it, the forward’s record speaks for itself – and it is surely about time that his talent is recognised.

With the World Cup just round the corner, England manager Gareth Southgate still seems reluctant to include Sinclair in any of his international squads – and many have questioned whether or not the Celtic forward will ever get a chance to shine for the Three Lions.

However, despite being ignored from a call up so far, Southgate has insisted that the door is not totally shut for the Hoops star, and that he is a viable option for England.

Southgate said: “I had a conversation with Brendan about Scott at the end of last season.”

“He’s a good player but we have good quality in that area of the pitch.”

“At the moment I think he is just below the level of what we have already got.”

England top their World Cup qualifying group, with Scotland sitting 6 points behind them. However, Strachan’s men are just a single point off second, and Southgate says he would like to see them qualify.

He said: “Some good young players have come through that Gordon Strachan has given their heads to.”

“The likes of Stuart Armstrong and Kieran Tierney. They’ve got themselves on a roll with momentum.”

“Scotland have two very difficult games but games it’s in their hands.”

“There’s no reason why they can’t qualify. Would I be happy? Look, you want the home countries to do reasonably well.”
[Quotes via The Sun]