Celtic: Brendan Rodgers hopeful of new contract for 'fantastic' Alistair Johnston

Brendan Rodgers says Celtic are keen to tie right-back Alistair Johnston down to a new deal with the club.

Johnston signed for Celtic on a five-year deal in December 2022 from CF Montreal and has shone under both Rodgers and his predecessor Ange Postecoglou.

Reports this week suggested the Canadian was close to agreeing a higher wage on a contract that would extend his time in Glasgow beyond 2027, but Rodgers said there is "nothing I can add," when asked about those reports.

"He's clearly a player we would want to tie down. He's a fantastic guy to work with on and off the pitch, so hopefully in the future that can be the case."

Rodgers was also asked about Greg Taylor's future, with the left-back in the final year of his deal at Parkhead.

In September, Rodgers said a new deal for the Scotland defender was a "real priority" .

While the Northern Irishman would still like to keep Taylor at the club, he said there has been no progress of note behind the scenes.

"Nothing as of yet," Rodgers said. "You see his importance to our game the other night [against RB Leipzig].

"He's clearly someone I see as a big part of what weâ€TMre looking to continue here and I hope over the coming months we can do that. There does come a point where both sides have to understand what weâ€TMre thinking. If itâ€TMs not going to happen we can then plan and prepare.

"I hope it doesn't get to that because I love working with Greg Taylor. I can't tell you how influential he is off the pitch, and how good heâ€TMs been on the pitch."