BRENDAN RODGERS has revealed he is planning to have talks with Jeffrey Schlupp when the player’s loan deal from Crystal Palace expires at the end of May.
The 32-year-old versatile defender joined the champions on deadline day as the Celtic boss searched for cover for Greg Taylor.
Alex Valle’s season-long loan deal was cut short with the 20-year-old left-back returning to Barcelona before moving onto Serie A side Como with more likelihood of game time.
Taylor, of course, has refused to sign new terms at Parkhead and will be a free agent at the end of season.
Coincidentally, Schlupp finds himself in the same situation as his contract runs down at the Selhurst Park outfit.
ON THE MOVE…Jeffrey Schlupp evades a tackle from Hibs midfielder Josh Campbell.
Kieran Tierney, of course, is on his way back to his spiritual home after a six-year absence when he quits Arsenal in the summer, but Rodgers realises he needs to strengthen the No.3 position for the rigours of domestic and European challenges in the third campaign since his return in June 2023.
Looking ahead, the Hoops gaffer said: “I’ll have a chat with Jeffrey towards the latter part of the season.
“It was the case of him coming in and settling while getting to understand how he plays. I think we can all see he has that Premier League physicality and quality.
“He’s a guy who is a top professional. That’s why he’s been in the Premier League for over a decade, because you have to look after yourself.
“You’ve got to have the right qualities, not only as a player but as a person.”
Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “We knew what we were bringing in.
BACK IN THE RUNNING…Greg Taylor returns to the Celtic squad against St Mirren.
“I’m really happy for him, because he’s settled into the group really well. Now he has a feeling for how he plays and what the role is.
“It gives us two really strong players to finish the season in that position.”
Taylor missed the 5-1 midweek home win over Aberdeen after his wife Laura went into labour before giving birth to the couple’s first child, a girl.
The 27-year-old Scotland international will return to the squad for tonight’s match against St Mirren in Paisley.
It’s now a straight choice between Taylor and Schlupp, but it looks as though the man in possession will get the nod to make his fifth start in his eighth appearance.
*DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from St Mirren v Celtic this evening – only in your champion CQN.
