Celtic start to move on fringe squad members, decisions could pave the way for incomings

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A key part of the final weeks of Celtic’s transfer window will be ensuring plenty in the squad move out of the club, as well as come in.

Brendan Rodgers is on the record with his preference for the Celtic first-team squad to be reduced to a core group of quality players and youth prospects, rather than have too many at Lennoxtown in a bloated outfit.

As Celtic fans continue to crave new signings, the reality is that there’s a lot of work to do on departures to create the space for those new Bhoys to thrive.

That doesn’t absolve the slow transfer window to date, but it is a factor. Pleasing then that we’re starting to see some decisions made on those on the fringes.

Dane Murray heading for a Celtic loan exit

The Daily Record reports that Queen’s Park are closing in on a loan move for defender Dane Murray, who is making a comeback after several debilitating injury issues that have impacted his development.

It’s said Celtic are keen for the 21-year-old to gain first-team experience and that the Spiders hope to complete a deal before their upcoming match with Livingston.

Murray signed a new two-year deal with the club back in May and earned praise from manager Brendan Rodgers after involvement in pre-season matches – also included as part of the squad on the trip to the USA.

Brendan Rodgers now making decisions after assessments

Murray’s loan exit isn’t earth-shattering but it is a sign that things are beginning to move a bit at Lennoxtown.

The squad and coaching staff have been back in Scotland for close to two weeks and it has allowed Rodgers to decide what’s best for everyone this season.

That comes after a period of assessment over the summer when the manager got a close look at all players at the club, from the superstars to the youngsters.

With others such as Yuki Kobayashi, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Hyeokkyu Kwon all unlikely to get first-team minutes this term, we could see a clutch of players now leave the club – either on loan or transfers.