Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been speaking to the media and previewing his side’s home match against Hearts this weekend.
Here are the key points from his news conference:
-
Rodgers admits goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel picked up a shoulder injury on international duty with Denmark but “doesn’t know” if Schmeichel’s season is over.
-
He’s confident Viljami Sinisalo is up to the challenge of filling in between the posts, saying the Finland international has the right “profile” to play out from the back.
-
The Celtic boss says discussions are under way over a new deal for winger Daizen Maeda, whose current deal expires in summer 2027. Rodgers would “love” to tie Maeda down to a longer contract – “he earns every penny, we feel as a club he deserves more”.
-
The Northern Irishman says disappointment has “lingered” from the defeat by Rangers before the international break, but he “won’t forget what this team has done this season”.
-
Rodgers adds “the club are dealing with” the situation surrounding Vaclav Cerny’s celebration in the derby, stressing the Rangers winger’s actions at Parkhead demonstrated “a lack of respect”.
-
Team news: Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor, James Forrest and Auston Trusty are all available while Liam Scales is still training individually.
-
Rodgers expects “a really good game” against Hearts and wants his side to “impose their authority on the game” from the very first minute.
Read the full article here