Hoops could make it third time lucky in bid for McGinn

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers admits a deal for John McGinn will be difficult, but refused to rule out a third bid for the Hibernian midfielder.

Hibs head coach Neil Lennon confirmed on Wednesday his club had rejected a second Celtic offer for the Scotland international, who is in the last year of his contract.

When asked if he could foresee another offer going in, Rodgers said: “I am distant from that, so time will tell.

“That’s something for the clubs to organise. I coach the team, I manage the team.

“We respect John’s still very much a Hibs player and unless there’s an agreement... like I say, it’s going to be a difficult one.”

Rodgers is looking for a midfielder after Stuart Armstrong’s departure to Southampton for a reported £7 million.

Rodgers added: “From a business point of view, Celtic have always had a way of working, and that’s something I am sure they will continue to do.”

Rodgers is preparing for the second leg of his side’s Champions League qualifier against Alashkert after an impressive 3-0 win in Armenia on Tuesday.

He hailed the fitness of his side after late goals from James Forrest and Callum McGregor put them firmly in control against a side in the middle of their season.

“In all the physical tests since we came back, probably the player who ranked at the bottom of our measures would have been at the top when I first came in,” said Rodgers, who is beginning his third season in charge.

“The players have come back in really, really good condition, so for me and the team and the staff, it’s great to know because we can add to that.”

Celtic continue their pre-season campaign with a home friendly with Standard Liege tomorrow when Rodgers will field different teams in each half.

Marvin Compper could feature after recovering from the injury that saw him miss the trip to Yerevan but Leigh Griffiths and Jonny Hayes remain out with thigh strains.