Former Celtic star Scott Sinclair admits he was left baffled by being dropped to the reserves after netting 60 goals for the club in three seasons.
The winger barely got a look in during his final six months despite having his contract extended by a year in the summer with Neil Lennon preferring the likes of Mikey Johnston and Moi Elyounoussi.
He moved onto Preston in January but admits it was difficult to take being left out of the first team after having such an important role in the squad prior to that.
But he also insists he loved his time in Glasgow and believes Celtic will always have a special place in his heart after such a successful spell.
He told Football Focus: “Obviously my game time was a little bit restricted coming towards the end and I thought it was time to move on.
“You have gone from playing week in week out, scoring goals, scoring 60 goals in three seasons and then before you know it you are sometimes training with the reserves for whichever reason that was.
“That was hard to take but I had to sort of dig in and stay professional which I did.
“But, yeah, it was a very tough time for me in the last stages.
“It was so special from the moment I walked in the door, winning all the trophies, getting Player Of The Year, top goalscorer it couldn't have been a better part of my career.
“The fans were unbelievable to me which I am sure I will miss.
“We had a great sort of connection.”
