Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says he would be “preparing for a five-a-side game” this weekend if all the transfer rumours were true

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Celtic starting XI v St Mirren: Predicted line-up as Brendan Rodgers makes big call amid transfer links – live training gallery

This is how we predicted will Celtic line up against St Mirren

Celtic will look to continue their 100 per cent start to their season this Sunday as they head to Paisley to take on Stephen Robinson’s St Mirren (kick off 12pm).

The Hoops have been in impeccable form since the return of the Scottish domestic season and head into the clash following back-to-back wins over Hibs and a 4-0 demolition of Kilmarnock. Brendan Rodgers will have a full strength squad to choose from too, after Daizen Maeda returned to first team action last week following a spell out with injury.

However, this Sunday, Rodgers’ main calls will revolve around Matt O’Riley and Kyogo Furuhashi. Danish international midfielder O’Riley has been heavily linked with a move ahead of the transfer deadline, and while Celtic fans will hope it isn’t, Sunday could be the final time he is seen in a Hoops jersey. Does Rodgers continue to start him with his future in doubt?

As for Kyogo, he was rested last week as he wrestles with a troublesome shoulder injury. Shock links to Manchester City appear to have calmed somewhat, but will the Celtic boss be tempted to start with Adam Idah instead in order to manage Kyogo’s fitness?

Here’s how we think the Bhoys starting XI will look for this weekend’s trip to the SMiSA Stadium.

1. GK: Kasper Schmeichel

Baring any last minute knocks, the Danish international will start between the sticks. | SNS Group

2. RB: Alistair Johnston

The Canadian full-back has shown no ill-effects from his prolonged season and involvement in the Copa America. He is first choice, whenever he is fit, ahead of Anthony Ralston. | SNS Group

3. CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers

The big American was given extended rest in pre-season following his participation for the USA at the Copa America. He appears to be back up to speed now though, and will start in defence. | SNS Group

4. CB: Liam Scales

A regular partner for Cameron Carter-Vickers over the last year, the Republic of Ireland man will continue in defence against St Mirren. | SNS Group

We need to bring in signings if we are to compete in Champions League, says Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers believes Celtic have seven days in which to assemble a squad that won’t simply make up the numbers in the Champions League.

While the Parkhead club have recruited Kasper Schmeichel and secured the permanent returns of Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo, the expected influx of quality players capable of challenging for a place in the manager’s side has yet to materialise.

While Rodgers remains hopeful that situation can change when the transfer window closes at 11pm next Friday, he says he shares supporters’ frustrations that more business has not yet been done.

Next week will also see Celtic learn their fate in Europe with the draw for the revamped Champions League taking place in Switzerland on Thursday.

In his first season back at the club, Rodgers’ side were competitive in most of their six group matches but still only gathered four points and finished bottom of the group.

Parkhead manager Brendan Rodgers is still looking for reinforcements for his Celtic squad

Rodgers listens to Cameron Carter-Vickers, alongside John Kennedy, at training on Friday

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And for the story this time to be different, the Northern Irishman feels there will have to be several pedigree additions to his squad in the coming days.

‘When we won the league last season my ambition was to come into this new format and see if we can break this barrier by coming through and into the knockout stages,’ said Rodgers.

‘I knew what we needed to do that. That is still very much in our plan. This club for the last number of years has played very well in games, but not quite been able to make the next step.

‘In order to do that as a manager, you know the improvements you have to make.

‘Last year we were close in a lot of the games. We won the first game for a wee bit of time (against Feyenoord). But we want to develop that and move forward. For that, I know what we need. Let’s hope we can.’

While Sheffield United’s American defender Auston Trusty is on the radar together with Mateusz Bogusz, an attacking midfielder with LAFC, Rodgers confirmed that nothing was imminent.

Asked to explain why the process appeared to have stalled, Rodgers replied: ‘Sometimes you may miss players in the market, who have gone.

‘There is availability, there is affordability, but there are still players we can get in who can allow us to grow and develop.

‘I don’t want to go too much into because we will be judged at the end of the market.

‘That’s when things really ramp up in this final week.

‘I am very happy with the signings we have made and that gives us the squad we had last season. But we want to improve and we have to improve if we are a club of ambition and we want to be better, then we need to look at that.’

Rodgers was asked if signing new players was contingent on other star names like Matt O’Riley first leaving.

‘No, because we haven’t spent a great deal of money in terms of where we expect to be at at as a club,’ he said.

‘I would be looking at us do business and it shouldn’t be reliant on players going out.

‘We are virtually running at the same as we were last season.

Kyogo Furuhashi is understood to be under consideration by Manchester City

‘If our idea is to improve, we should be looking to be active in the market.’

O’Riley remains a target for Brighton with the Dane likely to leave if the Seagulls table an offer of £25m.

Kyogo Furuhashi is a player Manchester City could swoop for if Pep Guardiola decides to seek cover, although there has been no move for the Japanese yet.

In both cases, Rodgers is adamant there will be a cut-off point next week to ensure Celtic are not scrambling around at the last minute to try and secure replacements.

‘For any player, it’s not going to go right down to the wire,’ said Rodgers.

‘We have a big week next week after the St Mirren match, preparing for our last game of this block.

‘I wouldn’t want that to be interrupted at all.’

Lecce have made a loan with option-to-buy bid for Celtic centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke

Serie A club Lecce have tabled a loan offer with an option to buy for Celtic centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke, according to Sky Sports News journalist Anthony Joseph.

Eredivisie club Heerenveen were reportedly in advanced talks to sign the Sweden international on loan on Wednesday, but now Lecce are trying to hijack that deal having been earlier linked with the Hoops star earlier in the summer and during the January transfer window.

Lagerbielke only joined Celtic last summer from Elfsborg in a £3 million deal, but has failed to hold down a regular place under manager Brendan Rodgers, making just ten appearances across all competitions.

The Scottish Premiership champions are ready to sell the 24-year-old, and it could be up to him to decide which club he wants to join between Heerenveen and Lecce.

Lagerbielke will prefer to move to where he is guaranteed a place in the starting XI as playing regularly will give him a chance to return to the national team having made an appearance this year.

Celtic are well-stocked at the back and Rodgers is willing to let the Swede go, and the Italian club could have the upper hand given the option to buy they have included in the deal.

Lagerbielke will not be the only player leaving the Parkhead club in the final seven days of the summer transfer window, with Japan international striker Kyogo Furuhashi likely to join Manchester City and Denmark international midfielder Matt O’Riley expected to return to England and link up with Brighton & Hove Albion.

Sheffield United are also holding talks to sign Celtic winger Mikey Johnston, and the Hoops are ready to sell him after he spent last term out on loan at West Bromwich Albion.

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