Brendan Rodgers reveals Celtic transfer talks to come in ‘latter part of season’ over ‘quality’ star

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Celtic were criticised earlier this month over their lack of deadline day business.

Brendan Rodgers wanted Kieran Tierney in the door before Arsenal refused to sanction that move before the end of the season.

A striker was also a transfer priority with Kyogo leaving the club but Celtic failed to land a new hitman and have been using Daizen Maeda – to magnificent effect – in that spot to challenge Adam Idah since.

Jeffrey Schlupp arrived before the window shut as competition for Greg Taylor’s role at left-back and the Premier League star, on loan from Crystal Palace, has shown up well despite claiming his preferred position is in the midfield.

• READ MORE: Lennon Miller breaks silence on Celtic January transfer efforts as ‘that takes care of itself’

Rodgers will speak with Jeffrey Schlupp about Celtic future

Rodgers has been pleased with the Ghana international, 32, who has been defensively sound including in his side’s bitter 1-1 draw away to Bayern Munich in the Champions League knockout playoff.

James McFadden urged Celtic to sign Schlupp on a permanent basis as he labelled the player “very good” at what he does.

His standout showing against former teammate Michael Olise proved that.

And now the Celtic manager has admitted that he has been delighted with what he has seen from the player since he made the move up north on the final day of transfer trading earlier this month.

Schlupp has proven himself at Celtic since he arrived

Asked if a permanent deal might be of interest – as well as for his take on how Schlupp has performed in Glasgow – Rodgers 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 and getting to understand how he plays. I think we can all see he has that Premier League physicality and quality.

“He’s a guy that’s a top professional. That’s why he’s been in over a decade in the Premier League, because you have to look after yourself. You’ve got to have the right qualities, not only as a player but as a person.

“We knew what we were bringing in. I’m really happy for him, because he’s settled into the group really well now. 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.”