Celtic manager relaxed as clock ticks down on deadline to deal in influential midfield stars

BRENDAN RODGERS insists he is not losing any sleep over the prospect of star midfielders such as Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic failing to sign new deals.

Celtic are back where they were with Armstrong a year ago when talks over a new contract proved difficult to get across the line and ended with the 25-year-old signing a one-year extension to take him up to the summer of 2019.

Rogic is also contracted until then, but there has been speculation over his future plans as he heads to the World Cup with Australia at the end of this season.

Dedryck Boyata is also about to enter the final year of his current deal, but, although Rodgers admits he has spoken to Armstrong about his situation, he insists he is calm about the prospect of some members of his squad moving on.

‘I tend not to worry about that now. When I was younger I used to think it was personal, but it’s football,’ said Armstrong.

‘Of course, I’d love them to stay here but there are numerous reasons — on both sides as there could be issues with the club as well — that doesn’t allow them to sign.

‘My job is to try to keep them but, if they decide their future lies somewhere else, that’s fine. It is hard to have a squad that is going to be together for a number of years.

‘I have talked to Stuart. He knows the opportunity he has here. I know what he thinks and we will just look to continue developing him.’

Armstrong is available again after recovering from a hernia operation, but may have to bide his time for an opportunity given Celtic’s determination to tie up the title as quickly as possible.

‘The team is playing well, so, unless there is a tactical decision I want to make like last weekend when I wanted to play an extra midfield player and left out Scott Sinclair, we won’t change things much,’ said Rodgers.

‘But Stuart is working hard in training and I know he’s there if we need him.’

Armstrong (right) has also been named in Alex McLeish’s Scotland squad for the friendly doubleheader with Costa Rica and Hungary alongside Kieran Tierney, James Forrest and Callum McGregor.

Rodgers has had a preliminary discussion by phone with McLeish over the availability of his players for the controversial summer tour of Peru and Mexico. And although there has been friction between Celtic and

the SFA over those end-ofseason games, Rodgers is sure there will be some members of his squad in the travelling party.

‘I will speak to Alex nearer the time,’ he said. ‘One of the things that impresses me about the Scottish boys is I’ve never had one of them come to me and say: “I don’t want to play for Scotland”. Ever.

‘I know the sense of pride they have playing for their country. I’m hoping we get the likes of Jack Hendry in there because he can be a big talent. ‘Participation for the national team gives them experiences, so I think, in the summer, there will be (a Celtic presence). ‘For some of them, it will be the first steps in there and some of them will want the games.’