Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers provides Matt O’Riley update, responds to Kyogo Man City rumours

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been giving his thoughts on all the news and speculation surrounding the club this week.

Brighton are reported to have lodged a bid for Matt O’Riley, potentially breaking Celtic’s transfer record.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are said to be considering a move for star striker Kyogo Furuhashi as a depth option behind Erling Haaland.

It can be a disruptive time for the squad – and concerned supporters – but Rodgers cut a relaxed figure speaking live to the Sky Sports cameras from the club’s Lennoxtown training centre.

Matt O’Riley available for Celtic vs St Mirren as it stands

On the O’Riley issue, Rodgers was adamant he would be available for selection on Sunday, despite all the noise over the last few days.

The Celtic boss said: “I think in terms of all the speculation and gossip over the last week or so, I am preparing for a five-a-side game at the weekend. There have been so many players linked with going away.

“Matt is no different. There’s nothing concrete. There’s clearly interest in him. At this moment in time we’re very focused on playing St Mirren and until I am told otherwise that’s exactly what we’ll do.”

Asked explicitly if O’Riley will be included in the weekend’s squad, Rodgers said: “Absolutely yeah, as I stand here with you live that’s the current standing.”

Rodgers plays down Kyogo Celtic exit chat

Attention then turned to the speculation surrounding the Japanese hero. Kyogo has been dynamite for Celtic over the last three years and nobody will want to see him out the door.

On that, Rodgers said when asked if there had been anything official from Man City: “No. None at all. It’s that time of the season now when the guys get to work, their representatives and all the guys who create the market. So lots of speculation and lots of rumours and there will continue to be.”

So there you go. No player is imminently out the door. Both O’Riley and Kyogo trained with the group at Lennoxtown this morning.

Obviously, there’s still time for plenty of movement and the Danish international in particular seems to be edging towards the English Premier League, but we may get one last match out of him yet.