MIKAEL LUSTIG is poised to agree a new deal with Celtic.
The Swedish international is out of contract in the summer and Brendan Rodgers has made him a priority signing.
The Hoops boss said: “I believe there has been progress. I met with Peter Lawwell before I came away and I believe that one is not too far away and, hopefully, can be done.
“Mikael gives his all and is up for every game – and just as importantly every training session.
“He lives his life well and has good focus now that he’s been at Celtic for a few years.
“Obviously, it has to be right for him and the club, but I’d be hopeful we could organise that.”
Rodgers has also been impressed by the contribution of left-back Emilio Izaguirre in the absence of injured Kieran Tierney.
The Irishman added: “When I came in, there was maybe a general perception that he’d go, but I spoke to him and I felt that he had a role to play.
“I think he has done extremely well. Kieran is a special talent, but Emilio came in and did very well for us in a tough run of games.
“I like Emilio – he’s very robust. He trains every day, he works hard and is very professional and if I have Kieran and Emilio as starter and cover player then I’d be happy.
“We’ll talk more on that between now and the end of the season.”
