Seven players on their way out the door at Celtic

After a bit of a lull the revolving door is getting busier as Brendan Rodgers puts his stamp on the squad. Getting past Hapoel Beer Sheva to reach the group phase of the Champions League will give the club a massive boost and increase the rate of change as Brendan Rodgers squad is overhauled. In next to no time the Irishman got rid of Carlton Cole, Colin Kazim Richards, Stefan Scepovic and Anthony Stokes while for whatever reason no new acceptable deal was put to Charlie Mulgrew. Younger players Jamie Lindsay, Fiacre Kelleher, Paul McMullan, Joe Thomson and Michael Duffy are already out on loan with more likely to follow. Bringing the first team squad down to 20 would be ideal while allowing younger players like Jack Aitchison and Aiden Nesbitt to get a taste of the demands of being with the elite squad. Scott Allan's loan move to Rotherham wasn't a great surprise with other loan deals likely with clubs reluctant to pay transfer fees when they know that Celtic are keen to shift players on. Despite the demands of the domestic and European campaigns there's little doubt that Rodgers could lose six players without having any adverse impact on the squad. CLICK HERE for the gallery of who can move on. EFE AMBROSE Time seems to be up for Efe after being left entirely out of the squad that played Astana, from starting the first leg to sitting in the stand for the return match tells a story. With less than a year left on his contract a parting of the ways would suit all parties with interest apparently from Germany, Greece and Turkey. It's not nice to hear a player being booed but in some ways it was inevitable. There's been some fun, some laughs, somersaults and tears along the way but it's time for Efe to move on, without his Balon D'or. JAMES FORREST Despite starting the home matches against Lincoln Red Imps and Astana the fact remains that Forrest is out on contract in mid-season- a six month extension wouldn't suit either party. A short term injury to Patrick Roberts shouldn't influence the manager's opinion while the interest in Scott Sinclair highlights Rodgers interest in adding width to his squad. Six years after making his debut and exciting during Neil Lennon's first season the same questions are still being asked, injuries have hampered his development but a parting of the ways looks in everyone's interest. GARY MACKAY-STEVEN Despite Brendan Rodgers denial of a deal to send GMS on loan to Ross County it's difficult to imagine the former Dundee United winger having much of a future at Celtic. The arrival of Scott Sinclair pushes GMS further down the pecking order- once he returns to full fitness. After a promising start under Ronny Deila like so many others he lost his way last season although playing on when injured never did him any favours. A move to England rather than a loan to a Scottish club seems most likely. TOM ROGIC The new season has barely started for Rogic, like Forrest and Ambrose the Australian is in the final season of his contract. There has been some real spells of brilliance from the Australian- who could forget last season's last gasp match winner at Kilmarnock- but he is still no closer to putting together a significant run of matches. In both matches against Astana he was left out behind Stuart Armstrong and Callum McGregor. Fitness strangely seems to be an issue with his best displays tending to come appearing as a substitute. DEDRYCK BOYATA With Eoghan O'Connell establishing himself on a week to week basis and Kolo Toure brought in Celtic's central defence is suddenly looking very competitive. Last season never really started for Boyata although comparisons with Jason Denayer were harsh considering the impact his fellow Belgian made during his loan season. Injuries have kept him out of action so far, getting a run of games on loan at an English Championship side will bring his match fitness upto speed or put him in the shop window for a move away from Celtic. LEO FASAN Demonstrated his ability in the friendly against Barcelona but badly needs game. The specialised needs of a goalkeeper are hard to achieve but after two seasons as third choice at Celtic he has been given a great insight into the expectations and demands of the job. Getting a good season under his belt at a reasonable level is now essential to assess just where he stands, a good loan spell can be the making of a keeper and allow the young Italian to come back and properly challenge for a place. LIAM HENDERSON Neil Lennon would take Henderson back to Easter Road in a heartbeat but it's understandable if Celtic are reluctant to send the midfielder back for a repeat of last season. There's no doubting Henderson's ability but he has emerged at Celtic at a time when the managers have been swamped with midfield options. Bringing through a player from the youth ranks is always very rewarding, in a year's time at the age of 21 it will be Decision Time as to whether the hugely talented teenager is ready to become a top team regular.

Related Stories

C’mon the Hoops! Wife of Russell Martin celebrates Celtic’s Ibrox win!

Never again- Andrew Dallas VAR call sparks controversy

Heart & Hand- Watch David Edgar slaughter the Ibrox Bottlers 2026 Edition

Thugs attack Celtic hero Cvancara on the pitch at Ibrox

Chris Sutton on a troll as Celtic win at Ibrox

Team News: Hugh blow for Celtic as Tierney and McGregor miss out

You may have missed

C’mon the Hoops! Wife of Russell Martin celebrates Celtic’s Ibrox win!

Never again- Andrew Dallas VAR call sparks controversy

Heart & Hand- Watch David Edgar slaughter the Ibrox Bottlers 2026 Edition

Thugs attack Celtic hero Cvancara on the pitch at Ibrox

JAMES FORREST

What do you feel about this?

Related Stories

Trending Now

You may have missed