Youssouf Mulumbu is among three Celtic players set to be loaned out during the transfer window.
Jack Hendry and Lewis Morgan make up the shock trio set to leave the club temporarily.
Morgan and Mulumbu have only been at the club since the summer. Although Hendry joined last January, it is a shock to see three relatively new players told they are to be loaned out.
Brendan Rodgers cited a need for game time as the reason Mulumbu is to be loaned out:
“Youssouf is at an age now where he really needs to play,” Rodgers told The Daily Record.
“He came in as a support player to the team.
“But he needs to play in the next part of the season, so he’ll probably go out on loan.”
MORE CELTIC STORIES
The manager admits throwing Hendry into such big games, such as Champions League qualifiers, was a steep learning curve for the youngster.
Rodgers reassured the defender that he still has high hopes for him, believing he can make the grade at Celtic.
Rodgers believes Morgan and Hendry can benefit from loan spells, where they will get more game time. He believes both can emulate Ryan Christie’s rise after returning from loan.
Christie’s 18 months at Aberdeen gave him time to develop his talents, which now Celtic are reaping the benefits of.
Rodgers said: ” You saw it with Ryan, a perfect example of if you’re not ready now you can go away on a good loan or a couple of loans.
“And when you come back in and you get your opportunity you’ve got to take it.”
The manager confirmed there has been interest in all three players so far in the window.
What does this all mean?
With the additions of Oliver Burke and Timothy Weah, Morgan’s chances were about to become even more limited. A loan move would do him the world of good.
Mulumbu has been surpassed by the breakthrough of Christie, along with Callum McGregor being a revelation in his new deeper role.
By letting Hendry go on loan, it would suggest Rodgers is confident the club will make at least an effective defensive signing in the window.
Defensive options are threadbare as it is, and the future of Dedryck Boyata is uncertain.
One thing appears certain though, Rodgers is whittling down his squad for the run in.
By February 1st he will have a group of players he believes he can trust to fire Celtic to a historic treble treble.