“I haven’t been made aware of that,” Rodgers on the Reo Hatate contract rumour

An earlier than usual media conference from Lennoxtown today as Brendan Rodgers talks about Anthony Ralston’s new contract and the work the club is doing behind the scenes reaching out to various players’ agents to discuss new contracts. When specifically asked about the Reo Hatate contract extension that appears to be imminent, judging by record media updates, notably from Stephen McGowan at Scottish Daily Mail, Rodgers had this to say when asked of that deal was indeed close to being done.

“I haven’t been made aware of that. I’ll speak to Michael (Nicholson) for the latest but in fairness to the club, the club have been reaching out to the agent for quite some time. But where it’s at, I don’t know at this point.”

He also gives an injury update stating that both Cameron Carter-Vickers and Nat Phillips are back training with the group but admits that CCV won’t be back until after the international break. Phillips though is likely to be available for the weekend’s short trip to Fir Park to take on Motherwell in the early kick-off on Saturday, a match that is available via Motherwell’s PPV (link below).

Celtic’s Nat Phillips has training with the squad. Photo Andrew Milligan

“Nat Phillips we are keeping an eye on, he has rejoined the group but we just have to make sure with his ankle,” reported Rodgers in his broadcast press conference. “But that looks much better. Hopefully (he will be back) for the weekend. No-one else who has been out injured will be back,” the Celtic manager said.

Brendan also talks about the identity of his team and with the uncertainly of the transfer window behind the squad, how they are now getting closer to playing the type of quality football he wants.

There’s even some Ryder Cup chat, not too sure if there’s any fan media there today. Here’s what Brendan has had to say…