Brendan Rodgers is confident that Craig Gordon is on the verge of signing a new Celtic contract.
During the January transfer window the keeper was the subject of intensive interest from Chelsea which would have provided a significant wage rise.
Rodgers refused to entertain Chelsea’s offers, insisting that the keeper was a major part of his plans and due a much improved new deal.
Celtic’s refusal to sell the keeper meant that Asmir Begovic’s proposed move from Chelsea to Bournemouth didn’t go through with Antonio Conte putting the issue on hold until the summer.
Looking at Gordon’s situation Rodgers told the Celtic website: “I’ve made it clear from when I first came in and how I want to impose my style and the importance of the goalkeepers within that.
“I look at him (Craig) now seven months on from coming in and he’s a totally different goalkeeper both in character, personality and output in the team.
“To have that assurance over the next few years is very important for the club and another sign of players committing to here because they believe in what we are doing. Hopefully we can get that sorted and then we’ll look forward to seeing Craig performing to level he has been.”
Gordon’s current deal, the second that he has signed for Celtic, runs until June next year.
Also at today’s media conference Rodgers revealed that Tom Rogic could be out of action for a couple of months after having an operation on a foot injury.
On a brighter note Stuart Armstrong and Leigh Griffiths should be fit for next Saturday’s home match against Motherwell.