Boss blocked my EPL return
Rodgers refused to let Dorus go
DORUS DE VRIES has revealed Brendan Rodgers blocked a potential move for him back to England’s Premier League.
But the Dutchman is desperate to repay that show of faith by helping his gaffer deliver more success at Celtic.
De Vries is now at the heart of the club’s treble bid with Craig Gordon out through injury.
The 37-year-old’s return to the scene has justified the stance taken by Rodgers during last summer’s transfer window. Clubs
DORUS DE VRIES has his four medals proudly on display. He cherishes being part of Celtic’s Invincible Treble.
The Dutchman is in every photo. He was there at the heart of it again when the Betfred Cup was won this term.
But deep down, in the depths of his heart, de Vries knows it just wasn’t the same.
While he played his full part in all of the successes as a valued squad member he wasn’t on the pitch contributing when those trophies were secured and those magical moments were savoured.
This time around though it can be different. De Vries didn’t want his opportunity to come because of serious injury to Craig Gordon.
But having been handed the No.1 spot due to the Scotland star’s setback, the 37-year-old can now play a key role on the pitch.
De Vries said: “There is no being selfish. Everybody wants to play, everybody wants to lift trophies. Who wants to be sitting on the bench?
“You want to be lifting a trophy but lifting a trophy while playing, of course. That is what you always fight for every single day on the training pitch.
“I still have great memories despite not being actively involved last season and enjoying the games playing wise.
“I received a championship medal for last season but if we do it again this year it will feel different, feel better.
“You want your club to be successful whether you play or not but if you are in the team you really feel as though you’ve made a contribution.
“Don’t get me wrong, being the type of guy I am, when I was out of the side last year I made sure everyone else around me was focused and ready.
“That’s the role you have when you’re not starting games and I made sure I was prepared for every single game in case I was called upon. But I always try to help the guys around me.
“I’m a team player. But of course, when you’re taking part in the games you feel as though you’re helping even more.”
De Vries never lost his focus during his exile. Signed 18 months ago he made just four and a half appearances before injury plonked him back on to the sidelines.
This term it was just a solitary outing against Dundee before Gordon’s knee nightmare.
But de Vries gave an insight into the mindset required to be a back-up keeper and said: “First and foremost it’s a pity Craig had to get that long-term injury. But for me it’s good to be back between the sticks.
“It’s been a while and this is a great opportunity to get game time and build some momentum, to keep things going.
“That’s what you always want as a player but especially as a goalkeeper. Outfield players will always have their moments, even as a substitute you can get 10-20 minutes here and there as well as the odd start. You don’t tend to change your goalkeepers, it’s a specialised position.
“You try to keep your head up but I’m a winner and I want to win every single day and do my utmost. I want to be the best I possibly can be and stay as professional as possible.
“I’m paid a good salary so I need to be there and be ready every single day. That’s what training is for and I’m fortunate in terms of the people around me, not just the players but also the coaching staff.
“I also love training. I love being out in the fresh air and keeping myself as fit as possible.
“It’s hard to get up to match sharpness straight away. I haven’t played in too many games since I arrived here and it’s always different in games than it is at training. But the more minutes
that you get your natural game comes through.
“As a goalkeeper you carry a great responsibility. You want to be there for your team.
“My job doesn’t change. I still hate conceding goals and don’t want to let anyone down.”
Where the Dutchman was there to support Gordon when he was out of the team the crocked ace is right behind his stand-in now.
De Vries said: “We’ve shown in the last year and a half we’re supportive of each other. You have to be that way, especially when you have so many games.
“Our schedule since I’ve been here has been so busy, it’s madness. So we need to help each other because there’s a lot to play for.
“I take every single game as it is and try to perform to the best of my ability. I don’t even think two weeks ahead. There’s no point.
“Then everything changes again. That’s football and it’s also life isn’t it? In life everything can turn for you.
“As well as making sure I enjoy playing I want to make sure I play to the best of my capabilities and don’t give away that slot.”
● De Vries was helping promote Exsel’s two-year sponsorship of Celtic women’s team.