Rodgers told Radio Scotland: “Carl may be leaving the club. He’s been fantastic but we may lose him. So this is a chance for Maik (Nawrocki) to build a partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers.”
New bhoy Maik Nawrocki comes in for his competitive debut, playing alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers that looks like the defensive pairing that Brendan Rodgers wants to go to Pittodrie and Ibrox with.
Showing the complete lack of judgement that has characterised his career, Tom English waded into Rodgers with arrogant laddish comments, the type of chat he uses in the BBC canteen to impress Kenny Macintyre, Alasdair Lamont, Jane Lewis and big Thommo.
After a month of modest transfer activity, Celtic could start tomorrow’s SPFL opener against Ross County without any new signings in the Starting XI, Rodgers still has plans to strengthen the squad but it will be firmly within established parameters.
While most supporters look for more signings of the calibre of Maik Nawrocki, Rodgers has to prune the numbers down with those honest conversations already held.
Starfelt was one of Ange Postecoglou’s first signings in July 2021, being pitched into his debut at Tynecastle as the hoops got off to a losing start under their new regime.
No specific reason was given for not inviting BBC Scotland but most outsiders assumed that it was a reaction to the sneering contempt of Tom English about the appointment of the former Leicester City boss.
Working with Rodgers could prove a very strong counter attraction, having turned 24 last month time is on his side with a new improved contract until May 2025 possibly giving player and club a happy middle ground.
Rodgers it was, the Green Brigade were among the few dissenters but anyone challenged on who would make a better manager failed to come up with a credible option.
The Israeli internationalist won’t be 22 until the start of October but the early signs are that he’ll be a starter under Rodgers with Maeda perhaps having a change of role, there could be two main strikers used with the attacking options open to Rodgers.