The Celtic manager has admitted he wants a Scottish core at the hearts of his Treble-chasing squad
14:49, 13 May 2025Updated 14:55, 13 May 2025
Kieran Tierney(Image: Getty Images)
Brendan Rodgers has revealed Kieran Tierney is 'champing at the bit" to return to Celtic as the manager admitted he’ll always want a Tartan core to his Treble chasing Celts.
The Hoops boss is gearing up for the final push towards another domestic clean sweep against Scottish Cup rivals Aberdeen at Pittodrie on wednesday night.
Rodgers is determined to round off the Premiership campaign in style and hit Hampden in top form.
But there is also planning underway for next term with Tierney set to complete his return this summer and other new arrivals expected.
Recruitment chiefs are scouring the planet for talent but Rodgers admitted he wants to maintain a Scottish soul to his side.
he Hoops are keeping tabs on young player of the year contender Lennon Miller and already have home grown heroes such as Callum McGregor, James Forrest and Tony Ralston, along with local imports such as Greg Taylor.
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Rodgers said: “I think it's very important. I think whatever league you're in, if you're in Spain, having a Spanish core would be important. Italy, an Italian core. And for me, it's absolutely key."
Tierney will bolster the Scottish ranks at the club and Rodgers insisted the fans’ favourite will be counting down the days until his comeback.
He said: “I haven't spoken to him a lot of late. We've exchanged messages and stuff, but I know his love of the club and excitement to come back here. So, yes, I'm sure he's champing at the bit to get back.”
Rodgers continued: “The boys that have come through Celtic here, they understand what this club's about. A lot of them have been here since young guys, and they've come through, they're brought up in the values of Celtic.
“They are really pivotal to the culture of this club. But also the likes of Greg, the other Scottish boys as well, not just the guys that have come through here. I think having the Scottish core here is key to your success.”
Rodgers is plotting his summer shopping spree and is targeting three new arrivals – with more on the way if there are big money departures.
Brendan Rodgers is pictured as he wins the Glen's Vodka Premiership Manager of the Season 2024/25 award at Lennoxtown Training Centre
But he insisted Celtic will always aim to look close to home.
Rodgers said: “I think it's twofold. I think you always look from within to see if there's players within your academy that can make the step up. It's been very difficult in recent times just because of the level that the team and the club is operating at.
“But there is 100 per cent a pathway for a young player here if there's a bit of patience and a bit of development.
“But that's your first look. Second look, of course, is outside. I've loved working with the Scottish players when I've been up here. Coming back to my first time, Ryan (Christie) and Stuart (Armstrong) and all the guys, it's absolutely brilliant they were for me.
“So that's what we do. We look homegrown to see is there anyone we feel that can improve, improve our squad or a young player that can come in and has that potential to be a starter here. So, yes, it's always something that we cover in our recruitment.”
Rodgers admitted Celtic are braced for offers for their main men – but no one has b been banging on his door looking to leave. He said: “Not at this point. There are all focussed on finishing the season strong.
“Then they will all have their individual thoughts on that. But at this moment in time everyone is really focussed on the season.
“We have to look and adapt to situations. We all know fine well here there is a player trading model.
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“That means we will probably get offers for some of our players in the summer.
“If that happens then we have to be flexible and ready to adapt to that.
“If I said everyone now would be here then we’d maybe only be looking at two or three new players coming in of high quality. But we have to see.”