Brendan Rodgers, the Celtic manager, has told Scottish football that they should welcome the leadership that Peter Lawwell, the club’s chief executive, imparts to the game as a whole.

The 43-year-old was speaking in response to comments which appeared from former St Mirren chairman Stewart Gilmour on a BBC radio programme when he claimed that Lawwell was responsible for the running of Scottish football, and hinted that he did not always act with the greater good of the game in mind.

“He should be glad, eh?” said Rodgers. “My experience of Peter is he’s a wonderful ambassador not just for Celtic but for Scottish football. He should be glad if he is because I believe if Celtic does well everyone else does well.

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“Celtic are a club that are not just representing ourselves but Scotland. And Peter for me, in terms of the operation of Celtic, over how many years he’s ran it very well. That’s why the club is in such a stable position, such a good position. That’s leadership.

“That leadership has given him a profile in Europe with other top presidents and directors. That’s through his behaviour and the quality of leadership in his work. I think he does a great job and he represents Scotland very well.”

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Ivorian midfielder Kouassi Eboue has completed the paperwork required to complete his move to Celtic but the player will not feature this weekend. Celtic play Albion Rovers on Sunday in the Scottish Cup and while Kieran Tierney could be back in the starting line-up, Celtic fans will have to wait to get their first glimpse of Eboue.

“His visa has just been completed,” said Rodgers. “He’ll be back but not by then. We’ll need to see where he’s at in terms of fitness but after this weekend he should be in and training. Kieran’s back. I wouldn’t be reluctant to play him. He’s only a kid he can play on whatever.”

Meanwhile, Kristoffer Ajer is set to head to Rugby Park in order to get some game time under his belt. Signed on a pre-contract this time last year by Ronny Deila, the 18-year-old has been on the sidelines so far under Rodgers.

Read more: Brendan Rodgers draws inspiration from Lisbon Lions as he sets out on Treble journey

“Kris will go to Kilmarnock,” said Rodgers. “There were a couple of options for him but I think it’s good for him to go and play there. He doesn’t have to move. He’s settled in here so he can go and play there for the rest of the season where we can keep a close eye on him and take him back in the summer. Kris Commons is back. Hibs want to keep him but we’ll see.”

Rodgers is keen to bring in further signings before the closure of the transfer window at the end of the month, however he is relaxed about his pursuit.

"If we can get the right players, we will try,” he said. “We have identified some and if they come in, great. If they don't, I still have a strong squad that will improve over the course of the second part of the season. But it would be nice to bring some freshness into the squad.”

One player who has committed his future to Celtic is Mikael Lustig. The 30-year-old signed a two-year extension to his deal this week with Rodgers pleased to keep the right-back.

Read more: Brendan Rodgers draws inspiration from Lisbon Lions as he sets out on Treble journey

"I came in here and everyone talked about him being injury prone and what not,” he said. "He has virtually trained every day and has played in most of our games. He is a real leader in the dressing-room.

"I sat and spoke to him a few months back and told him I wanted him to stay. Mika is very much part of what we are doing here. He is a multi-functional player. He can play right-back and centre-half, and is a top international player. I am delighted he is staying.”