Rodgers insists Kyogo is geared up for run-in

this season with 15 goals so far, Kyogo has endured spells where he has struggled to hit the heights of his first two campaigns at the club.

Rodgers, however, feels the little striker is now replicating the standards he showed under his predecessor Ange Postecoglou.

‘In the last few weeks, Kyogo has looked more like what I’d expected when I came into the club,’ said the Celtic manager.

‘His movement, the speed of movement and his sharpness — he’s been very, very good since he’s come back into the team.

‘That’s what I expect from him. That brightness, that cleverness, the intensity in the press and intensity in his movement. When he plays to that level, he’s very difficult to contain.’

Celtic have also been boosted by the return of influential midfielder Reo Hatate, who has been plagued by hamstring and calf injuries this season.

The 26-year-old Japanese international produced a man-of-the-match display when he made his comeback in last Sunday’s 3-0 win at Livingston.

Rodgers believes Hatate’s presence is especially valuable for compatriot Kyogo due to the understanding between the two.

‘Having the likes of Reo back and available really helps Kyogo’s game,’ he said ‘Because Kyogo makes the runs early and sees the space so early. If you see the gap, you have to play it. What happens with front players like him in particular, if you’re not playing that pass or being safe in the pass, they stop making the runs. It’s only natural.

‘The type of game we play is about speed, movement, our sides and our central penetration. Having someone like Reo back in the team, along with the other guys, his first look is forward. That benefits us immensely.’

Celtic, meanwhile, have been linked with a £7.5million move for Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir as they make plans to replace Joe Hart, who is retiring at the end of the season.