With a marathon season finally ended and trophies in the cabinet the next phase of Brendan Rodgers management of Celtic is about to get underway.
Last summer he did well to move on half a dozen players surplus to requirements but it may be the start of the 2018/19 season before he truly has the sort of squad that he wants.
Many of the players that couldn’t be sold were sent out on loan with few examples of players benefiting from that experience. Of those out on loan only Kristoffer Ajer and Jamie McCart are likely to be anywhere in next season’s plans.
With the exception of Stuart Armstrong there’s not many players from the Ronny Deila era that have a contribution to make. Of the three central defenders inherited it’s odds against any of them having been brought in by Rodgers.
Some of the backbone of the Neil Lennon teams are likely to move on with medals and memories from a highly significant time in Celtic’s history.
Rodgers is keen to see players break through from within the Academy set up with Callum McGregor the example to follow.
There are a number of others that have caught the eye of the manager, my moving others on the door opens a little wider to the younger players.
As he brings in more of his own signings there could be tough decisions to be made on Ryan Christie and Liam Henderson, even Eboue Kouassi looks like he has his work cut out to make the breakthrough.
Nir Bitton
He’s had chances and looked effective in stages but just doesn’t seem to have the profile of what Brendan Rodgers is looking for in a midfielder.
The Rodgers way requires more energy and running, Bitton’s game is built around interceptions, playing in front of the central defenders but shows little inclination to push forward and punish opponents.
There should be a number of continental clubs happy to have him on board.
Efe Ambrose
No shock that there won’t be a contract extension but there seems a real rapport between the player and his manager.
We all know the strengths and weaknesses of his game, Rodgers has revived a few careers over the last 12 months but couldn’t salvage Efe.
A number of clubs seem interested but the defender seems keen to stay in the UK and preferably Scotland.
Gary Mackay-Steven
When Rodgers arrived he was injured but he picked up a Betfred Cup winners medal and also appeared in the Champions League at Manchester City.
He’s never really threatened to pose a real threat for a first team place but shouldn’t struggle to find a new club with the English Championship the most likely destination.
Kris Commons
No surprise that he’ll be moving on, his final season has been a bit of a mystery either side of a dynamic 28 day loan at Hibs.
He experienced some real highs and lows but will leave on good terms which is a welcome break with tradition with many great players leaving under a cloud.
He’s likely to stay in Scotland with Hibs the most likely destination, a certainty to score in his first game against Celtic which won’t please Lisa!
Logan Bailly
Being third choice keeper must be either the best or worst job in the world.
It must be frustrating for an ambitious keeper but the reality of a nice salary and little expectations will be welcomed by many.
There seems to be a few clubs that have taken a look at the keeper with a return to Belgium the most likely move.
Eoghan O’Connell
Showed great ability and nerve getting pitched into early season Champions League qualifiers but a decent loan spell at Walsall isn’t likely to transform his prospects.
Kristiffer Ajer seems more likely to get a chance next season.
He should be able to get a decent Championship club in England and make a good career for himself, could be in future Ireland squads.
Kolo Toure
He served his playing purpose away to Hapoel Beer Sheva and appears to be a popular and big influence across the squad.
It looks like his playing days are at an end unless he wants to go chasing more money in China or elsewhere.
Rodgers seems very keen to keep him involved, would be a good addition to the backroom squad.
Emilio Izaguirre
Enjoyed a very productive spell in November and December standing in for Kieran Tierney- picking up a Betfred Cup winners medal and a welcome win bonus from Ibrox.
Now one of the longest serving players at the club it seems like a parting is expected even though the club recently invoked a 12 month extension to his deal.
A move to North or Central America seems obvious but there may be a Spanish or English side interested as well.