BRENDAN RODGERS has hinted he could extend his Celtic stay beyond 2026.
The Hoops boss reiterated his promise to see out his current three-year Parkhead deal.
Brendan Rodgers announced he’d stay for three years when he returned to Celtic – and vowed to win over his critics[/caption]
He was given a warm welcome by biggest fan Patsy Cullen when he reported back last year[/caption]
The Hoops boss re-iterated his timescales – and put OFF all talk of a new deal beyond 2026[/caption]
But Rodgers, who has handed right-back Alistair Johnston a new long-term contract until 2029, admits he could be open to talks next term.
He said: “On my first day back, I said I’d be here for three years. By then, I’ll have done nearly six years at the club, and that’s a long time as Celtic manager.
“For nearly a year, more people wanted me out than in, so I’m not going to be talking about new contracts now!
“I just need to continue to work well and do my very best for the club.
“I’m pretty sure at some point next season, we can see how we’re going and take it from there.
“But at the moment, I love my life here and it’s an amazing club to work for.
“Going away and then coming back has made it even better for me because I knew what I had missed when I was away. So I’m not in a rush to leave again.
“They say that as you get older the biggest currency you have is time. When you get to 51 and you get older, you realise that.
“Time with the people you love and your family, your workplace, I’d have to agree with that.
“Where I am at the minute, though, I’m in a brilliant place, so keep it that way.
“I’ve always felt really comfortable here.
“My driver has always been the constant improvement and development of the club.
“That’s the big aim again this time, and we see that happening and I want it to continue happening for a long time, hopefully.”
Rodgers was given a rapturous reception at the Celtic AGM after guiding the club to a Double last term.
His side are top of the Premiership again, and in the final of the Premier Sports Cup.
It was a mostly positive gathering of shareholders at Celtic Park and the Hoops boss insists the club is in a good place.
Rodgers added: “It was very good. There’s always comedy value in it, but also some seriousness in there as well.
“It’s always great for us to be able to listen to some of the points that come out of the AGM, and it gives you the opportunity to improve.
“Unity is the strength of Celtic, and I want us to be as strong as we possibly can be.
“The targets and objectives here are very simple — dominate Scotland and be really strong in Europe.
“That’s something we work very hard to do every single day.”
Rodgers takes Celtic to Tynecastle to face Hearts this weekend as the league resumes after the recent international break.
He confirmed defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is back in contention after being rested for the win over Kilmarnock a fortnight ago.
Rodgers said: “Cam had a couple of niggles and we didn’t need to risk him at Kilmarnock.
“He’s had time to work and he’s ready and fit for the next run of games.
“We’ll have to manage the whole squad over this coming period, but we are in a good place physically and mentally.
“Neil Critchley is an excellent coach who will look to organise Hearts, get them working hard and playing good football.
“So like every time we go there, we expect a tough game, but we are looking forward to it.”
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