Rodgers urged not to rush Dembele back for final

Keep striker for Champions League qualifiers – McGarvey

Frank McGarvey has urged Brendan Rodgers not to put Celtic’s Champions League slot at risk by rushing Moussa Dembele back for the final leg of his treble chase.

Press Association Sport understands the Hoops’ 32-goal top scorer is facing a six-week lay-off after injuring his ham string in Sunday’ s H amp den win over Rangers.

That is likely to rule him out of the remainder of the season, including the William Hill Scottish Cup final with Aberdeen on May 27.

Missing out on the opportunity to fire the Parkhead club to their first domestic clean sweep in 16 years would be a cruel blow for the French Under-21 international following a stunning debut campaign in Glasgow.

But former Celtic frontman McGarvey says Rodgers must resist the urge to hurry his ace poacher back for the Dons date when the club’s crucial Champions League qualifiers kick-off on July 11 or 12.

He told Press Association Sport: “With a hamstring injury, even when you first think the injury is OK, you really have to leave it another 10 days just to be sure.

“If you come back too soon from that kind of injury then you can end up being out for another five or six weeks.

“The correct approach for Celtic to take with Moussa would be to say, ‘Thanks pal, you’ve had a great season but that’s it. Let’s get you right for the Champions League qualifiers’.

“It’s so important they can get him clear of this injury so he can start next season fresh. Celtic will need him to do what he does. Dembele has proved this season that, despite being at such a young age, he can score at Champions League level.

“The club should not be taking any risks. I thought Brendan Rodgers did wonders getting the club to the group stages earlier this season, especially after losing that first game in Gibraltar.

“He’s probably going to win a treble this season, but getting the club from nowhere to the Champions League was his most impressive achievement.

“A treble would be good, but, as we saw this season, making it to the group stages is so important to the club with the money it brings and it will be just as important next season.”