RODGERS’ DECISION ON ‘PROBLEM BHOYS’

BRENDAN RODGERS admires the skills of Ryan Christie and Scott Allan – but admits he can’t make any promises about their Celtic futures.

The midfielders have returned from loan moves last season and are hoping to show the Hoops boss they are ready for first team duty at the champions.

Christie spent the campaign at Aberdeen while Allan was at Dundee for the first half of the term before switching to Hibs in January.

Rodgers said: “Both have done very well in pre-season. They are now players who have been playing regularly and that will be the only deciding factor.

“Are both boys able to come in and be in a Celtic squad? For sure, absolutely. Can I give them the game-time  they want at this stage of their career?

“That’s the only question mark, really, and that’s a conversation that we will have.

“Then it will be about the players and what they feel. I’ve always liked Scott Allan. I’ve always seen him as a talent, but he knew that after his experience at Rotherham, he needed to be playing.

“He did that and did it very well at Hibs. So, he is a player I like. He’s got speed. He’s got qualities. I think he’s got more to show.

“Scott and Ryan are big talents. But it is about: ‘Am I going to get enough game-time?’ That’s the ultimate decision that will have to be made.”