The Celtic boss had spoken warmly of connecting with Bernabei, getting the chance to improve his Spanish, but no one should underestimate Rodgers’ friendly supportive personality as a weakness.
Ben Summers is believed to be close to joining Dunfermline but before Vata can contemplate that type of move he will have to extend his Celtic contract beyond the end of this season.
Hatate looked in absolute top form when Celtic played Yokohama F Marinos and Gamba Osaka but looked badly off the pace in his 45 minute appearance against Athletic Bilbao.
Fluttering his eyelashes in training caught the attention of Micky Beale who brought Cantwell into his side to face Servette with the Scary Scouser John Lundstram dumped onto the bench
Since returning to Ibrox in June the Finnish international star has been training solo as Beale tries to push him out the door.
On Sunday Elfsborg are away to Hammerby in the Allsvenskan, Celtic fans will be keeping a keen eye on team news for that match.
Behind his friendly, supportive demeanour Rodgers cuts very little slack with his players, he demands and expects complete concentration and dedication.
Rangers fans need to be patient with Michael Beale and his team at the moment.
With Lockdown Gerrard’s luck was in, by that stage Beale was for many fans the real boss with the former Liverpool skipper put in front of the cameras to keep fans and sponsors amused.
Injuries to Tony Ralston and Alistair Johnston opened the door for McPherson to get promoted into the first team, turning out in the two matches in Japan as well as against Wolves in Dublin.