Brendan Rodgers seems to be preparing himself for the departure of Tom Rogic.
The midfielder is out of contract next summer and isn’t likely to make a decision on his future until after the World Cup Finals in Russia.
At 25 years of age and with top level experience over five years with Celtic Rogic won’t be short of offers.
As recently as Sunday he demonstrated his ability with his fourth goal of the season against Sevco demonstrating how difficult it is for teams to pick him up even when his danger is clearly sign posted.
Rodgers has brought out the best in the midfielder but sees the bigger picture from Rogic’s perspective.
“Tom is a brilliant player, but you have to respect that a player’s career is short,” the Celtic boss told the Daily Record.
“I don’t think he is questioning the club, I don’t think he is questioning anything here.
“He is a young guy who was deemed not good enough for some clubs when he was younger.
“Tom has come over here and it has taken five years for him to really establish himself and show his real talents.
“In the last couple of years, he has been sensational, really. It’s just a life decision, really.
“Tom and his wife are from Australia. If you are a Celtic supporter, you probably can’t think of a better place to be in the world than Celtic but there are warmer and drier places!
“Tom’s a massive talent and we hope we can keep him here.
“There’s nothing sinister in it. He’ll take his time and I’ll always support players whatever their decisions are. Hopefully, he can stay and agree a longer term.”
As well as Rogic, Stuart Armstrong and Ryan Christie are also out of contract next summer with Charly Musonda also preferring to play just behind the main striker.
Resolving that position will be a priority for Rodgers in the coming weeks and months with the Celtic boss hoping to avoid any contract talks spilling into next season.