ANGE POSTECOGLOU has revealed he is in contract extension discussions with three Celtic stars.
Keeper Joe Hart, Australia World Cup Finals midfielder Aaron Mooy and Scotland international playmaker David Turnbull are the only Hoops players who have just a year left on their terms at the end of the season.
Postecoglou has admitted he wants the trio to remain at the champions way beyond 2024.
WE’RE BEHIND YOU…there has been no flagging for Joe Hart since he joined Celtic from Spurs in August 2021.
The 57-year-old Greek-Australian gaffer said: “Do I want them to stay longer than that? Yeah, but it’s just about having discussions with the players themselves.
“I need to know where they’re at, where their heads are.
“Last year, we had Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic with a year left. It would have been easy to let them roll on for another year.
“But after discussions with them we came to a conclusion where they felt there were other opportunities they wanted to explore and they moved on.
“I’m constantly talking to these three guys about what their ambitions are.
“I want to make sure that every step of the way we’re looking after the player’s interests, but also looking after the club’s interest.
“Every decision will be made against that backdrop now.”
SPOT ON…Aaron Mooy makes no mistake as he fires in Celtic’s second goal with a penalty-kick in the 2-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice a week ago.
Postecoglou’s champions are unbeaten in their last 20 domestic games ahead of the noon kick-off against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park today.
It’s an impressive sequence as the title kings look to maintain their nine-point advantage at the Premiership pinnacle, but the Hoops boss, speaking to the Scottish Sun on Sunday, added: “The first thing we do is ignore the stats.
“They can get you thinking you’re in a comfortable space.
“These guys come in and no day or minute is wasted. When you have that you don’t really worry about stats or form. You know that’s irrelevant and in the past.
“What’s important is what the next step is. Our squad is the strongest it’s been since I arrived.
ON THE BALL…David Turnbull has impressed Ange Postecoglou.
“Training is really intense. The players can’t cruise because they’ll get found out and lose their position. It doesn’t allow for it.
“We have got healthy competition now.
“It’s not about anyone wanting others to fail. It’s about wanting everyone to succeed and push each other to the next level.
“That starts with Callum McGregor, Joe Hart and the senior players setting the benchmark with their work ethic.
“Everyone else falls into line.”
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from St Johnstone v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
