Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Kieran Tierney is “chomping at the bit” to return to Celtic, while the manager emphasised his ongoing desire to maintain a strong Scottish presence within his four-in-a-row Premiership champions…
Brendan Rodgers is preparing his side for their penultimate league clash of the season with Aberdeen at Pittodrie tonight. The Irishman is completely focused on finishing the league season strongly and carrying that momentum into the showdown at Hampden for this month’s Scottish Cup final.
Tierney poised for a summer return to Celtic
Meanwhile, plans are already in motion for next season, with Tierney poised for a summer return and additional signings anticipated. As the recruitment team casts a wide net globally for new talent, Rodgers has made it clear he is keen to preserve a core Scottish identity within the squad.
Celtic are closely monitoring rising star Lennon Miller, while their squad already features established homegrown talents like Callum McGregor, James Forrest, and Tony Ralston and Greg Taylor who signed from Kilmarnock.
Rodgers said: “I think it’s very important. I think whatever league you’re in, if you’re in Spain, having a Spanish core would be important. Italy, an Italian core. And for me, it’s absolutely key.”
Tierney’s return will bolster the club’s Scottish identity, and Rodgers affirmed that the fans favourite is eagerly anticipating his homecoming.
“They’ve come through, they’re brought up in the values of Celtic.”
He said: “I haven’t spoken to him a lot of late. We’ve exchanged messages and stuff, but I know his love of the club and excitement to come back here. So, yes, I’m sure he’s champing at the bit to get back.”
Rodgers added: “The boys that have come through Celtic here, they understand what this club’s about. A lot of them have been here since young guys, and they’ve come through, they’re brought up in the values of Celtic.”
“They are really pivotal to the culture of this club. But also the likes of Greg, the other Scottish boys as well, not just the guys that have come through here. I think having the Scottish core here is key to your success.”
Rodgers is mapping out his summer transfer plans, eyeing three key signings prior to Champions League qualifiers kickstarting, with further additions likely if major sales arise.
“It’s been very difficult in recent times just because of the level that the team and the club is operating at.”
The 52 year-old said: “I think it’s twofold. I think you always look from within to see if there’s players within your academy that can make the step up. It’s been very difficult in recent times just because of the level that the team and the club is operating at.”
“There is 100 per cent a pathway for a young player here if there’s a bit of patience and a bit of development.”
“But there is 100 per cent a pathway for a young player here if there’s a bit of patience and a bit of development. But that’s your first look. Second look, of course, is outside. I’ve loved working with the Scottish players when I’ve been up here. Coming back to my first time, Ryan [Christie] and Stuart [Armstrong] and all the guys, it’s absolutely brilliant they were for me.”
“So that’s what we do. We look homegrown to see is there anyone we feel that can improve, improve our squad or a young player that can come in and has that potential to be a starter here. So, yes, it’s always something that we cover in our recruitment.”
Conor Spence
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