Rodgers says Celtic have 'no need to sell' amid O'Riley speculation

Brendan Rodgers says Celtic have ‘no need to sell’ any of their top talents this month as he reveals he is unaware of any concrete interest in star player Matt O’Riley.

The Celtic manager is still looking to improve his squad further in the January window and is confident the Denmark international is happy at Parkhead.

But he does admit that if any player does want to leave then it could be for the best to let them go.

Reports claim Spanish league leaders Girona could make a move for the midfielder before the transfer window shuts in 12 days time but Rodgers insists the Hoops are in a strong position to keep a hold of their best players.

When asked about if there was any interest in the player that he was aware of he said: “None, I’m not aware of any. But it’s natural, if you’ve got good players then of course they will attract attention. But I’m not focused on that at all.

“We don’t want to be losing any (of our best players). The plan was to add to the squad and that’s still the plan.

“There’s not (any need to sell) but it always works both ways. If a player doesn’t want to be here then in my experience anyway, you are better off moving them on.

“It’s as simple as that, of course the club’s in a really strong position and we don’t need to sell and we’ve no thoughts of selling.

“Naturally at this time of the season there is a lot of speculation and gossip around players. For the likes of Matt, he is really happy here. He’s signed a new deal and he’s really progressed.

“He’s into double figures now in goals and his assists are there so for him as a young player and a brilliant professional all he wants to do is improve and you can see the improvement he has made here.

“So we’ll just take it day by day and assess it from there.”

Celtic return to action on Sunday following a two-week winter break as they prepare to host Highland League side Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup.

New signing Nicolas Kuhn won’t be considered for the game with defensive stalwart Cameron Carter-Vickers also still missing.

But the USA international defender is expected to be ready to return to the starting line-up when they pick up their Premiership action against Ross County the following week.

The champions arrive at the second-half of the season eight points ahead of second placed Rangers who have two games in hand.