Brendan Rodgers says there are “bits and pieces going on in the background” at Celtic – with ins and outs expected before the end of the window.
The Hoops are set for a deceptively busy January with Kieran Tierney the headline act as far as punters are concerned. Talks are underway to sign him on a pre-contract, after which the Hoops are expected to push to bring him in six months early. Reports suggested an announcement could come this week but Rodgers has been tight-lipped, making it clear he’d rather fans respect Greg Taylor and the players currently in situ at Parkhead.
He spoke about that in depth at his press conference on Tuesday, but did go into some detail on transfers too. Johnny Kenny and Dane Murray both returned from loan spells to train ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with Dundee United. Stephen Welsh meanwhile is expected to join KV Mechelen on loan and Rodgers said: “There are a few little bits and pieces going on in the background with both ins and outs but nothing to declare as of yet. We’ve brought Dane back for that purpose. He’s a young player I really think highly of. We sent him to Queens Park where he’s trained every day and been really well coached at a fantastic club. The whole idea then was to bring him back.
“Stephen has been pretty much part of the fabric at this club for so many years – he’s one of the guys who helps create the culture. But there also comes a time when they need to look at their own career. So there’s a possibility that he’ll go out on loan. It’s not confirmed yet. But for him to go out and Dane to come back is quite an easy transition.”
One man who wasn’t shy in speaking about Tierney is Arsenal legend Martin Keown. He wished him all the best as he gets set to leave the club in the summer – whether it’s to Celtic or not Keown , speaking on talkSPORT, sees the writing on the wall where the Scotland star is concerned. He’s happy to see him getting back to fitness, but doesn’t see a dramatic U-turn on the cards.
“He is one of three Arsenal left-backs sitting on the bench. Lewis-Skelly, Zinchenko and Tierney himself, so he is a long way from getting back into the team. But I am pleased to see him fit again.
“The manager hasn’t really used him too much. There is a League Cup game coming up, maybe he will get an opportunity there. One wishes him well, in terms of his fitness. He had a very difficult time in the summer, didn’t he? He pulled his hamstring and was out for six months, so let’s hope he is fit and well. He probably will be leaving the club.”