If Michael gets Scots job I will give him all the help I can

HOOPS BOSS RODGERS’ OFFER TO O’NEILL

BRENDAN RODGERS doesn’t know if Michael O’neill will be Scotland’s new manager.

But if the SFA do get their No.1 target they can rest assured they have a perfect ally in the Celtic boss.

Rodgers sees big possibilities within the national squad for Gordon Strachan’s successor.

No wonder. He works with the majority of them on a daily basis.

Strachan received a huge benefit during the World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign from the way Rodgers’ magical coaching touch and expertise at club level prepared players such as Scott Brown, Craig Gordon, Kieran Tierney, Leigh Griffiths, Stuart Armstrong, James Forrest and Callum Mcgregor to boost the bid.

That Parkhead core will be central to O’neill’s plans for Euro 2020 and beyond if he takes the job.

Others, such as Ryan Christie – when he returns next summer for a loan spell at Aberdeen in the summer – and defender Anthony Ralston could also figure.

Rodgers may not have a direct influence on the Scotland set-up but his indirect association will be vital and the Celtic gaffer is happy to assist.

He said: “Michael will be disappointed at missing out on the World Cup but if you look at Scotland, it’s an exciting group and if he can pull them together and develop them.

“Then he would maybe have a chance of getting them to the their first Championships in 20-odd years and then maybe on to a World Cup after that.

“I want to help. There is a real energy about the Celtic players when they go there and there is a real core of them that can help. “Scott Brown was away with Scotland but didn’t play. Stu had a slight abductor injury but he’s played a lot of games. There was no need to risk.

“But there weren’t too many who weren’t away in one way or another and they have all come back and are happy. “Some have had a rest but others played and were happy to play for their countries.

“Kieran has shown qualities. He is a young guy who is developing and maturing on and off the field.

“It’s brilliant watching that maturity develop. Because of his level of play he has the respect and how he carries himself.

“His first target will be 50 games. That is what they all look to at international level and if he can stay injury free then there is every chance he will go on and get many more caps. “He can be a great leader for Scotland and I think he will be a captain here at Celtic one day. He is learning from a great captain at the minute in Scott.”

Ahead of Saturday’s visit to Ross County, Jozo Simunovic is still being monitored for an injury which has kept him out since September, whilst Patrick Roberts has missed the last two games with a knock.

There is a real energy about the Celtic players when they go there