HOOPS No.2 EXPLAINS ARZANI ABSENCE

CELTIC assistant boss Chris Davies has explained why Brendan Rodgers has left out Australian World Cup winger Daniel Arzani from his Europa League squad.

Forty-three players were named for the first team and B lists, but the 19-year-old raider who has agreed a two-season deal from Manchester City has been overlooked, as CQN reported earlier today.

Arzani has yet to make an appearance after last month’s move and Davies admitted he is nowhere near match fitness.

The Hoops No.2 said: “Daniel is a young player, he is still adapting to the environment here. He is two weeks into his training programme here, which is, in normal terms, still early pre-season.

“He still has a way to go to get up to speed, but he has a two-year loan and we are going to support his development.

“His main priority is to build up his condition, he’s had half a development team game.

“The style we have is fast-paced and intense, so players have to be at that level.”

One-time German international centre-half Marvin Compper and midfielder Scott Allan have also missed out on being selected for the player pool and Davies revealed Rodgers had told the double-act he wanted them to fight for their spots by impressing at training.

He added: “They haven’t been involved when available for recent squads. The manager has spoken to both about their situations.

“Picking the squad, we didn’t need six central defenders on the list, so that played a part (with Compper).

“Marvin has had a difficult time since he got here, with injury, as well.

“He’s never quite got going or found his rhythm, that’s been a disappointment on his part.

“He just has to keep working hard and we’ll saw what happens.”