Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers avoids commenting on Jamie Vardy rumours | OneFootball

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has tempered expectations for any last-minute additions to his squad ahead of the crucial Champions League play-offs, while pointedly refusing to address speculation linking veteran striker Jamie Vardy with a move to Parkhead.

The Scottish Premiership champions face a deadline of 11 pm on Tuesday to make up to two amendments to their European squad, just hours before they host Kairat Almaty in the first leg on Wednesday. Despite his previous desire for new attacking options, Rodgers indicated he is prepared to proceed with his current roster. "That’s what I am feeling at this moment in time," Rodgers stated. "The players that we have will be the players that I trust that can do the job. If we can get some players in before then, that would be amazing but the focus has been very much on what is here at this moment."

Reports surfaced on Monday suggesting that 38-year-old Vardy, who departed Leicester at the close of last season, was keen on a switch to Celtic Park. However, Rodgers remained tight-lipped on the specific rumour. "Listen, I would not speak about any individual player," he said. "Of course I worked really well with Jamie, he was brilliant for me in my time at Leicester. But there’s been so many names floated about. I wouldn’t disclose either way."

This suggests that Rodgers will rely on his existing players for the immediate European challenge, with any potential new arrivals seemingly off the cards for the Champions League squad deadline.