Rodgers backs Lustig to pen new Celtic deal

BRENDAN RODGERS fully expects Mikael Lustig to commit his future to Celtic, insisting both club and player are committed to a new deal for the defender.

The Swedish internationalist (below) is out of contract at the end of the season and, although it is uncommon for the club’s prudent chief executive Peter Lawwell to allow such a prominent player to drift into the final months of his deal, Rodgers insists he has no fears that the player may exercise his right to negotiate with a rival suitor in the New Year.

Discussions are ongoing with the 29-year-old, who joined from Rosenborg five years ago, and Rodgers insists the defender is entitled to bargain hard for the best possible package.

‘Mikael’s one I definitely want to keep,’ said Rodgers. ‘The club is in discussions with his agent.

‘I think he wants to stay. He’s 29. It’s probably his last major contract and when you get to that age, you want to make sure everything is right. It has to be right for you.

‘He wants to be here and he knows I want him here. It’s relaxed, there’s no drama.

‘He’s an important player for us, one of the pillars of the group. In any squad, there are four or five players and he’s definitely one.

‘He’s a great character and his commitment to training is fantastic. He’s a fun guy, but he knows when to focus and he’s up for every single game. He’s been excellent since I came in.’