No bluffing- Rodgers ready to get tough on his bloated squad

Brendan Rodgers is preparing for some tough conversations as he hopes to reduce his Celtic squad in January.

Sead Haksabanovic, Adam Montgomery and Bosun Lawal are out on loan just now with little prospect of a future with Celtic with around a dozen players on the outside looking in.

When the Celtic squad gathered at the start of September for their official picture there were 33 players on show with Daniel Kelly the only one still to play a first team match.

There is widespread belief that there will be something of a clear out in January but the example of James McCarthy illustrates some of the difficulties involved in moving players on.

Most of the players signed in the last three transfer windows have failed to make any impact, but sitting on long term contracts and move will ultimately be decided by the players involved.

Explaining his role in the process, Rodgers told The Sun:

It can be difficult, but it’s part of this job as manager. You have to do it, but you’re better being honest with people.

It’s especially tough because you know when you are telling someone it changes the conditions in their life — and not necessarily for the better.

They might never have that opportunity again but I’d rather say it than bluff someone for six months.

They have families and, having moved all over Britain myself, I know how hard and challenging it is.

Sometimes it can be for the greater good for the player as the family might not have settled or the schools might not be right.

To tell them can actually help them. It’s always a hard conversation but you’re better being honest.

Of the seven permanent deals and two loan transfers brought in during the summer only Luis Palma has made any impact with Yang Hyun-Jun the only other to have started more than six matches.