Brendan Rodgers responded discreetly to inquiries about Cameron Carter-Vickers’ contractual situation at Celtic.
The American player has been a standout performer since joining the club in 2021 and has become a key figure in Rodgers’ lineup. Carter-Vickers, initially on loan from Tottenham, made his move permanent, with his current contract running until 2026.
Recent reports hinted at Premier League interest from West Ham and Brentford, along with suggestions of a contract extension for Carter-Vickers at Celtic. However, Rodgers seemed to downplay these claims after the Scottish Cup victory over Buckie Thistle.
He told BBC Sportsound: “No. I didn’t know that, so…
“(I would know) probably before you, I would say.”
Meanwhile, Rodgers told Rocco Vata he had to continue earning the right to play after the 18-year-old netted his first goal in a 5-0 Scottish Gas Scottish Cup victory over Buckie Thistle.
The winger’s contract expires in the summer, and he has been linked to Sampdoria, Bologna, and Como. Despite this, he was given his first-ever opportunity to play this season, and he scored the game’s last goal from close range.
Rodgers stated: “Young players have to earn the right.” He also moved 18-year-old Daniel Kelly off the bench. Although Rocco has received a lot of attention, any young athlete must merit their chance. In my career, I’ve offered numerous young players opportunity.
“But I like Rocco, he has qualities. He is strong, he’s aggressive, he wants to get goals. When he came on he got his goal and he had other opportunities.
“And Daniel Kelly is a young player I really like. If he keeps progressing and developing he will have a big future. He is left-sided, he is quick and strong, he presses the game very well.
“They get a taste of it and hopefully that gives them the motivation and determination to continue progressing.”
When asked about Vata’s future, Rodgers said: “That will be up to him. He’s a talent.
“It depends what the mentality is with him and his representatives. You get some young players whose representatives will tell you if they are not playing in the first team, starting, they don’t want to stay. You better go then, because you have got to earn the right.
“He is 18, I don’t need players ready at 18 unless they are real, real special talents, but by 20-21 they need to be ready.
“But you can see he has tools and this can be a really good place for him to develop.”
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