Rodgers downplays Gerrard talk

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has cooled talk suggesting he is set to be reunited with the former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard. The two men worked together at Anfield and reports suggested Rodgers was set to launch a bid to sign the veteran who left LA Galaxy earlier this week.

The 36-year-old exited Anfield at the end of the 2014/15 campaign but his time in the USA was not a great success and he will not be renewing his contract with the MLS outfit.

Rodgers said of the rumours: “I never speculate or speak about players coming into the club. I never have done and don’t intend to start now – that will always remain private.

“The only thing I would say with regards to Steven is he has been an incredible player. I had him for a number of years at Liverpool and he was absolutely brilliant with me.

“As a young manager going into such a great club, having the captain and senior player there, to be able to work closely together with him and learn about the club and work together on the field was fantastic.

“In terms of the speculation, I’m not sure where it’s come from. But players coming into the club will always remain private.”

Celtic can be backed at 33/1 to beat Barcelona 1-0 in their next Champions League match on 23rd November, while a 1-1 draw is available at 10/1.