Rodgers and McLeish close to a solution over Scotland calls

BRENDAN RODGERS admits he is near to reaching an accommodation with national coach Alex McLeish over Scotland’s trip to Peru and Mexico.

The Celtic manager had previously described the end-of-season schedule as ‘not helpful’ in advance of a potentially gruelling schedule of Champions League qualifiers.

A change to UEFA’s qualifying system means Celtic must navigate four rounds of qualifiers this time, with the first two-legged tie commencing in the middle of July.

Rodgers’ squad contains seven current serving Scotland internationals but the Parkhead boss is concerned that the likes of Kieran Tierney, James Forrest and Callum McGregor could face burnout after a nearconstant diet of football over the past 12 months.

He is more relaxed about the prospect of Stuart Armstrong and Leigh Griffiths travelling as each has spent a significant part of the season out injured.

Rodgers spoke with McLeish to discuss the matter on Wednesday and the Celtic boss insists that it is in both parties’ interests to ensure his players are in top condition ahead of crucial games for club and country next term.

He said: ‘I had a good chat with Alex. I was open with my preference in terms of where it sits and where it’s at, but you understand that it is the players’ careers as well. We’ll find a solution.

‘Some of the guys will want the games, because they will have missed chunks of the season. Others have played lots of games since last June and won’t need more.

‘It would be beneficial for Celtic and Scotland if they have the breather, because very quickly they will be back into it again.

‘They will then be needed in the proper games coming into the autumn.’ Goalkeeper Craig Gordon admits he would like to be involved (with Scotland), but is still easing himself back after a spell on the sidelines because of injury.

‘I’ve not played a great deal in the second part of the year so, if I can, then I’d like to go,’ he said.

‘I’ll see how the body is holding up towards the end of the season.’