“So, sadly for him…” — Brendan Rodgers issues TERRIBLE NEWS on Celtic player he ‘really, really likes’ after confirming that…

It’s reaching the stage of Celtic’s campaign where Brendan Rodgers will have to make calls on certain players’ futures at the club.

The Celtic boss will be eager to bring in new additions to his squad but will also be conscious that several Hoops senior players will not factor into his long-term vision.

Those individuals will eventually have to depart, but it appears there’s another reason why one of Rodgers’ Celtic stars won’t feature in the green and white Hoops again this term.

Speaking at his pre-match media briefing before Celtic’s clash with Hibs, Rodgers was questioned about youngster Dane Murray and whether he’ll get an opportunity in the upcoming weeks.

Brendan Rodgers impressed by ‘strong’ Celtic prospect Dane Murray:

Murray has featured just twice for Celtic this season after being handed a surprise appearance in the Bhoys’ Champions League loss to Aston Villa, and once more in the Scottish Cup triumph over Raith Rovers at Celtic Park.

Since that point, the young centre-back hasn’t appeared, and here, Rodgers outlines why supporters won’t see Murray again during this campaign.

Rodgers told Celtic TV, “No, he’s injured. Yeah, sadly for him he’s just had a wee clean up of his knee.

“Dane’s one I really, really like. He’s got a lot of attributes. He’s big, he’s got good pace, he’s strong, he’s brave, he’s competitive and he can play.

“So, sadly for him, it’ll be preseason with him and then again it’ll be a decision of is he around to play or do we need to get him games.”

Another key decision awaits Rodgers regarding Dane Murray at Celtic:

Murray is clearly well regarded by Rodgers and appears to be part of his future plans. Nevertheless, there’s a contract matter that needs to be resolved.

The young defender’s current deal runs out at the end of next season, aligning with the Celtic manager’s contract, but Rodgers should aim to secure an extension for Murray or risk the player being able to negotiate with other clubs in January.

With the Bhoys having lost several promising young prospects in recent years, Murray is definitely one Celtic will want to retain going forward.