‘There’s still a lot to be done’ with new recruits, says Celtic manager Rodgers

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says there is “still a lot to do” in the transfer market and he is keen to bring in two new midfielders if Matt O’Riley is sold.

Rodgers explained that nothing has changed in O’Riley’s situation as no club has yet matched Celtic’s asking price for the 23-year-old.

“I haven’t heard anything different from last week, so there’s nothing new to add,” he said. “His mentality is phenomenal.

“He’s a player who continues to grow and you can see the confidence with which he plays the game.

“I still think we need another player in that position. If he were to go, we would need two more.

This summer, former loanees Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo have returned on permanent contracts, while Kasper Schmeichel has replaced Joe Hart in terms of goalscoring.

“I’ve got to talk to the board,” Rodgers said of the prospect of recruits. “There’s a lot of work going on and a lot we’ve got to do, but for now it’s really about the players that are here.

“They are doing fantastic. We know where we want to strengthen and I am hopeful that we can do that.

“I am an experienced manager who knows that you need a strong squad because it is a long season. In September there are more games and they are more intense. So we need to have a squad that is ready for that.”