BRENDAN RODGERS will not stand in the way of Nir Bitton if he wishes to leave Celtic in the pursuit of game time.
The Israeli holding midfielder has featured 24 times for the Ladbrokes Premiership champions during a hectic first half of the season but has only started half of those matches. With the increased prominence of Stuart Armstrong, the 25-year-old has been included in the starting line-up once in Celtic’s last 12 games.
A key player under Ronny Deila, Bitton signed a contract extension just over a year ago, tying him up until the summer of 2020. However, with the imminent arrival of £2.8m Kouassi Eboue this window, Rodgers has revealed he would be willing to let him go if it was right for the player and the club.
Speaking from Celtic’s base in Dubai, the manager said: "I think there will be a natural thing for players wanting to play. For players it's generally about game time and money and it can be difficult. But for Nir there's not a problem - he's a fantastic boy.
"He was unfortunate when he came off against Rangers that Stuart came in and flowed - but that's football.
"He's come into games and done his job well. He's just signed a contract but of course I'll always have conversations with players.
"I had an honest conversation with Stefan Johansen and if what any player wants to do marries with the thoughts of the club then it's fine. I respect it's a short career.
"I'll see what offers come in and assess it from there.
"He knows where I'm at. Any time he's knocked on my door it's to ask how he can improve and be better.
"I think he can get better. He's a father now and he's taken on those responsibilities too."
While the future for Bitton at Celtic looks doubtful, Rodgers has opened up about his intentions to tie down others currently in his squad while he keeps one eye on potential new recruits.
Yesterday he told Herald Sport of how he hopes to reward Armstrong with fresh terms between now and the end of the season, and the Northern Irishman has explained his continued hopes of keeping Honduran left-back Emilio Izaguirre as well as Sweden international right-back Mikael Lustig.
Izaguirre has fallen out of favour over the last year due to the emerging talent that is of course Kieran Tierney, however he has impressed recently with the young teenager ruled out through injury with ankle ligament damage.
His deal is up at the end of the season, along with fellow full-back Lustig, who has been a constant and consistent performer in green and white since he first arrived in Glasgow in 2012.
"When I came in there was maybe a general perception that he [Izaguirre] would go, but I spoke to him and I felt that he had a role to play,” said Rodgers.
"I think he has done extremely well. Kieran is a special talent, but Emilio came in and did very well for us in a tough run of games.
"I like Emilio - he's very robust.
"He trains every day, he works hard and is very professional and if I have Kieran and Emilio as starter and cover player then I'd be happy. We'll talk more on that between now and the end of the season."
Speaking of Lustig, the Celtic manager added: "He gives his all and is up for every game - and just as importantly every training session.
"He lives his life a well and has good focus now that he's been at Celtic for a few years.
"Obviously it has to be right for him and the club but I'd be hopeful we could organise that."
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