Brendan Rodgers Reacts to Celtic Star’s Contract Rumours

Brendan Rodgers has reacted to reports that Celtic’s Alistair Johnston is in line for a bumper deal at the club.

While addressing the media on Friday, Rodgers acknowledged the speculations but clarified that no formal discussions had occurred to his knowledge.

Despite this, it’s clear that Celtic values Johnston highly. The 25-year-old defender has been stellar in his performances early this season, notably scoring in a 3-0 victory against St. Mirren and assisting Daizen Maeda in Celtic’s triumph in the Glasgow derby. His contributions on the right flank have not gone unnoticed, and the club is reportedly planning to reward him with a significant pay raise and a contract extension, extending his current deal, which has three and a half years remaining.

Brendan Rodgers said on Celtic TV: “Nothing that I’m aware of. I know that we’d love to have him here for as long as we possibly can.

“He’s got three and a half years left on his deal, and he’s playing ever so well; you can see the power and the strength in his running ability, and now he’s in a really good place.

“Of course, as a manager, you’d want him to be here, but that’s something that’s between the representatives and the club.”

There was an injury scare surrounding AJ, but the manager eased concerns after he was photographed in training with the squad. 

He had come off injured while on international duty with Canada, but Rodgers eased fears, adding that it was an issue that Celtic were already aware of but that the defender was fine to start on Saturday when Hearts visit Celtic Park.

Carter-Vickers, who was wearing a moon boot after the Glasgow Derby, is also fine for the next run of Games.