We reported yesterday on what Brendan Rodgers had to say concerning Liel Abada’s position at Celtic as the Israeli winger edges closer to an exit from the club, with perhaps a move to the MLS in the States where the transfer window remains open.  The United States Government of course is the biggest financial backer of the state of Israel.

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The Celtic manager didn’t say that Liel Abada had played his last game for Celtic, but he didn’t rule it out either when he spoke to the written mainstream media. “I don’t think that far ahead,” the Celtic manager said as reported by Glasgow Times. “In my job, how I’ve always managed players and how I’ve worked with players, I’ve always tried to do everything I can and will continue to do everything I can to get him on the pitch for Celtic, because he’s a very, very important player.

“There may come that time later down the line where that might not be the case, but I will always have that empathy for a player and support, and if that’s just not enough, then you know. It’s things I’ve done before, and whoever it is I’ll be there for them, and take it from there really.

“I look at him at 22 years old. I’ve got sons older than him. So, I see him as a son, not just an employee of the club or a player in the team. If I had a son in that situation, what would I want someone to do for him in a foreign country and when he has challenges?

“But it’s not just me. He has great support from everyone here. It’s just a shame it’s got to this stage, but let’s see if we can turn it around. He’s quite an insular boy anyway but he’s a real good kid. It’s just a shame through no fault of his or Celtic’s that this situation has arisen.”

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One thing that could happen is for Celtic to give Liel a leave of absence if the player felt that would be helpful. “It’s just about assessing each individual state and situation, and obviously through conversation with the player then of course we have to look at that,” Rodgers said.

“But him and I have communicated a lot, and it’s been very open and honest, so we will just assess that as we go along. He already did go back to Israel for a little period, and again, if that was something he wanted to do then of course we would assess that. But I think he’s keen just to continue working and staying fit and being ready, and if there’s a change, then you can look at that,” the Celtic manager added.

Rodgers also revealed that the decision to drop Abada from the match-day squads after he clearly wasn’t focused on his football in the game at Easter Road, was a joint decision taken by both himself and the player. “It was both of us. It wasn’t just me. I’ve had other situations where I’ve said to a player to go and look after themselves and make sure their mind is right. But with Liel it was both of us.

“There’s been regular communication and I’ve tried to read it as well. The attitude and mindset is so important, especially when you play for a huge club with expectations. It’s something we’ve looked at it together to try to find the best solution. The overriding thing is that I care for people. I can care for them because I care about them. That’s from my upbringing. Whatever you connect it to, I genuinely care for people.

“In a situation like this you can’t just brush it below the carpet.”

Here’s Brendan Rodgers’ media conference ahead of the match against Kilmarnock at Celtic Park this afternoon…