Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted that he shoulders the blame for the signing of Marvin Compper.
The 33-year-old signed for Celtic last January but has played just one game for the club - a Scottish Cup tie against Morton last March.
Rodgers maintained this summer that he was available on a free signing, refuting the alleged £1m fee that had been paid for the former RB Leipzig defender.
However, it is unlikely that Compper will play for Celtic and Rodgers has maintained that any fingers pointed over the signing have to be in his direction.
Asked about the player at the AGM yesterday, chairman Ian Bankier joked ‘next question...’ before Rodgers offered an explanation.
“As the leader of the team I will always assume responsibility for every single player who comes in to the club,” said Rodgers. “Marvin was brought in at a time when I thought we needed experience to help us with the young centre halves we had. Unfortunately he came in January and within his first week picked up an injury.
“Really since that moment he has struggled for fitness. In that period other players have come in and performed well like young Kris Ajer. With the unpredictability of his fitness we had to sign another centre half, [Filip] Benkovic, who has been fantastic since he came in. So if you want to blame someone ‘blame me’ as it is just one of those unfortunate things.
“Off the field he has offered good encouragement and support to our younger players. He is very professional. He has played at a very good level and that’s why we brought him in. “
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