Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he wants to work with a 17 man first team squad bolstered up by emerging young talents.
The Irishman shifted on almost a dozen players after taking over from Ronny Deila and would be happy to trim another five or six from his current squad.
Nadir Ciftci and Dedryck Boyata aren’t even halfway through their contracts but are surplus to requirements while Efe Ambrose and Kris Commons will be out of contract in the summer.
Rodgers wants to work towards a smaller sized squad that allows players like Calvin Miller and Kristoffer Ajer a reasonable chance of progressing into the first team.
“I like a small group,” he told the Daily Record. “ I just have to manage what we have just now.
“I prefer 16 or 17 professionals then the young players feel they have a chance in the team.”
Having played in the UEFA u-19 Champions League and Challenge Cup during the first half of the season Rodgers may look to send players like Miller, Ajer, Jamie McCart and Anthony Ralston out on loan for the second half of the season.
With Development loans now allowing players to turn out for their parent club Celtic can send the players out on loan but recall them for SFA Youth Cup ties.
