Celtic coach Rodgers: “We still have a lot to do”

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

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

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

“He is a player who is constantly evolving and you can see the confidence with which he plays the game.

“I still think we need another player in that position. If he left, we would need two more.”

So far this summer, former loan players Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo have returned on permanent contracts, while Kasper Schmeichel has replaced Joe Hart in goal.

“I need to speak to the board,” Rodgers said of the prospect of new signings. “There’s a lot to do and a lot we need to get done, but at the moment it’s really about the players that are here.”

“They’re doing a great job. We know where we need to strengthen and I’m pretty confident we can do that.”

“I am an experienced coach who knows that you need a strong squad for the 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.”