Summer signing Hayato Inamura is still "not quite at the level" required to make his competitive debut for Celtic, says manager Brendan Rodgers. The 23-year-old Japanese defender joined from J-League side Albirex Niigata in June on a four-year deal, having moved up to the professional level from university football in 2024.

Rodgers was asked at his pre-Kairat Almaty press conference where he sees Bernardo fitting into a competitive midfield at the club. The Celtic manager then effectively confirmed that Bernardo is his sixth choice central midfielder. He said: “Well it’s exactly that. It’s a very competitive squad in our back line and in the midfield area.

Brendan Rodgers said: “I mentioned this a few weeks ago to the players because I think it’s important to just set the narrative for them, because, like you say, there’s so much noise, especially as it ramps up towards the end.

HAYATO INAMURA has been told by Brendan Rodgers he’s not good enough to play in the Champions League. The Japanese defender joined the Hoops from J1 league club Albirex Niigata in the summer. But

As Adam Idah continues to find Celtic goals hard to come by, Brendan Rodgers would love to sign a "world class" striker available on a free transfer.

Brendan Rodgers: “Yeah, very easy. He’s not quite at the level as of yet that I would expect. The plan for Inamura was to come in and train and see where he was at with the possibility of going out on loan because he’s only had a year’s football.

Brendan Rodgers admits his Celtic squad is not yet ready for the Champions League – but it is strong enough to kill off Kairat Almaty. The Hoops will face the Kazakhstan champs in tomorrow/tonight’s £40m play-off showdown having failed to land top quality replacements for departed Kyogo and Nicolas Kuhn and injured Jota.

Brendan Rodgers has one year left on his current deal; Celtic kick off Scottish Premiership title defence at home to St Mirren on Sunday, live on Sky Sports; Brendan Rodgers has signed six players thi

New Celtic defender Hayato Inamura has been told by Brendan Rodgers he is not good enough to play in the Champions League - yet. (Daily Record) Rodgers has warned any Celtic players whose focus may be drifting towards a late transfer window move by reminding them who pays their wages.