Celtic

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Manchester City are considering a move for Celtic's Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi, 29. (The Athletic - subscription), external

Brighton hope to complete the signing of Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley, 23, before the weekend and the sale would intensify the Premiership champions' pursuit of Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels, 20. (Sun), external

Denmark international O'Riley has likely played his last game for Celtic as a move to Brighton moves closer. (Record), external

Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke, 24, is the subject of strong interest from Dutch side Heerenveen. (Sun), external

Liverpool left-back Owen Beck, 22, has been linked with Celtic and Middlesbrough but is apparently not on Boro's radar. (Teeside Live), external

Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, 21, who has been linked with Celtic and Rangers, is a target for Burnley. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

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Brendan Rodgers has challenged his Celtic side to continue catching out their opponents with intense starts to matches.

In each of their opening three games so far this season, the Premiership champions have scored twice in each of the first halves - once against Kilmarnock and twice versus Hibernian.

Rodgers has stressed the importance of his team maintaining that, saying it is "the mark of a really good team that you start quick and finish strong".

Speaking to Celtic TV, he added: "That's our mindset, we're not wanting to wait for anyone to see how the game unfolds, we want to impose our style and tempo on the game.

"In modern football, opposition teams will know a lot about us because they have all the data about us, but the one thing you cannot prepare for as an opposition player is the tempo the other team play at.

"You can't gauge that until you're there and that's something that's very important for any of my teams.

"We see it now with this team that the tempo and the level is at a very high level and we want to sustain that for as long as we can in the game."

Tino
Fan writer

At first glance it was hard to see what Nicholas Khun was going to bring to the party.

Hard to see why both Bayern Munich and Ajax had given him opportunities in his early career.

And hard to see him ending up as one the first names on Brendan Rodgers’ teamsheet. But here we are!

With a goal a game in Celtic’s three opening fixtures the German winger is flying and has quickly established himself as our go-to guy on the right wing.

It's something many of us wouldn’t have predicted just a few short months ago.

Kuhn is now brimming with confidence every time he takes to the park - but like others before him it took him time to adjust to his new surroundings before he could show what he’s truly capable of.

Seven months down the track it's now clear to see why the club paid around £3m to secure his services.

Nothing excites fans like a winger in full flow – think Jota, think Jinky, think James Forrest (young or old version, you choose!) – and Kuhn is shaping up to be the latest in a long line of popular wide Bhoys.

And that’s no easy task. Celtic’s wings have become something of a graveyard for certain players in recent times, and for every good example we can provide there’s a Marian Shved, a Derk Boerrigter or even a Sead Haksabanovic who have been far less successful.

Even in the current squad the jury remains out on last summer’s signings Luis Palma and Yang Hyun-jun.

But 24-year-old Kuhn looks to have that necessary inner belief, and now finds himself in prime position to dominate Celtic’s right-hand side for the foreseeable future.

With Rodgers – a coach renowned for developing young players - steering him in the right direction, the only way is up for our number 10.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

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Is Matt O'Riley now too good for Scottish football?

Perhaps there are better ways of phrasing that question, given the fact the Celtic midfielder currently plays for a giant of a club and would benefit from another Champions League campaign if he stays put this summer.

If the Denmark international moves to his reported likely destination, Brighton, he will be giving up European football for the season but will playing his domestic action in the English top flight, the world's best league in the eyes of many.

It is for that reason Mark Atkinson of the Scotsman feels O'Riley, 23, has "outgrown Scottish football" and the time is now for the midfielder to test himself in the Premier League, just like plenty of former Celtic stars have done.

"I think he will leave," Atkinson told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "It feels like the right time and I think Celtic are braced for it.

"Brighton are keen to strengthen their squad under their new manager [Fabian] Hurzeler. And there's a big void in their midfield.

"They lost Pascal Gross over the summer, a really important player, and I think O'Riley would suit Brighton's style of play really well, possession based.

"Let's be honest, he needs a fresh challenge for the sake of his career."

It's not difficult to see why Brighton, and Atalanta, and Atletico Madrid, have pursued O'Riley.

Since his arrival from MK Dons for a bargain £1.5m in January 2022, he has been a key first-team player. But last term he took his game to a new level under Brendan Rodgers, contributing 19 goals and 18 assists in 49 appearances.

With O'Riley having signed a new contract last year until 2027, Celtic are in no rush to sell but appear to be holding out for a similar amount to the £25m record fee they received for Kieran Tierney's move to Arsenal in 2019.

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Cameron Carter-Vickers is enjoying playing in front of new Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmiechel and says the Dane’s comfort on the ball is evident.

Schmeichel was powerless to prevent the first concession of his Hoops career when Mykola Kuharevich was left unmarked to thump home a header in Celtic’s 3-1 win over Hibs on Sunday that set up a last-eight tie with Falkirk.

The 37-year-old has otherwise been untroubled in his opening three games since his summer arrival from Anderlecht as Joe Hart’s replacement.

"Kasper's been really good," Carter-Vickers said. "I think from the minute he came in, you saw his quality. I think it's clear to see that on the ball, he can play with the ball at his feet.

"He probably hasn't had to make many big saves yet in the league or the cup game, but I think you saw in pre-season some of the saves he made were unbelievable, so I'm definitely enjoying playing with him and looking forward to keeping playing with him."

Carter-Vickers was peeved at Celtic conceding their first goal of the season on Sunday but believes set-piece issues are an easy fix.

"Yeah, it is annoying. Maybe Hibs had a few half-chances, but apart from that I don't think they had too much from open play," he added.

"It's definitely annoying to concede from a set-piece, but again, it's something we can look at.

"I think normally set-pieces are easily corrected, so it's something we can definitely look at and improve on."

Brighton & Hove Albion have made a formal bid for 23-year-old Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley and, with nothing yet agreed, talks are set to continue over the coming days. (Sky Sports), external

Brighton are prepared to shatter the £25m Scottish transfer record Arsenal paid Celtic for Kieran Tierney to land midfielder Matt O’Riley and are confident of securing a deal to land the 23-year-old from the Scottish champions. (Daily Mail), external

Brighton have agreed personal terms in principle with Matt O'Riley but are now negotiating a fee with Celtic, who want a club-record fee of £25m plus an additional £5m in add-ons for the midfielder. (HITC), external

Brighton have targeted Celtic's Matt O’Riley and fellow midfielder Ferdi Kadioglu, currently with Fenerbahce, now that they have completed the signing of forward Georginio Rutter from Leeds United for a £40m fee. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

If Brighton secure the signing of Matt O'Riley from Celtic, Napoli are ready to proceed with the capture of Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour from the Premier League club. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Leicester City are among the clubs monitoring Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate and the 26-year-old Japan international is keen on moving to the Premier League this summer, while there is also interest from Spain and Italy. (Chris Wheatley on X), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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We asked you for your thoughts on Celtic's win against Hibs and progression to the last eight of the League Cup.

Here's what you had to say:

Tom: I thought that in yet another game this season Celtic had complete control, with only the odd wobble. Idah is a welcome return, but you can see he is behind others in terms of fitness and match readiness. Kyogo should go for the op to get his shoulder fixed properly.

Gorfy: No Kyogo, no Idah but no worries. Maeda once again shows his importance to the team, Kuhn continues to improve and we have the Hatate of old running midfield. Another excellent performance but we could be more clinical in finishing teams off.

We still need additions - left-back, left-sided centre half and another attacker but overall great result.

John: I thought Celtic played good football but I feel they need strengthening in defence. What we have got is good enough for the Scottish league, but in the Champions League Celtic will struggle.

Michael: Celtic again look like they have more gears. Still feel a centre-back is needed to take over from Scales as the Champions League will expose him.

Patrick: Nicolas Kuhn was great again, dynamic and more than a handful for defenders. Happy for Maeda to bag a couple of goals too. It's a shame the way we conceded, but nine scored with one conceded isn't too bad so far this season.

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Captain Callum McGregor says Celtic have shown they look "slick", "sharp" and "hungry" in their opening games of the season.

Following back-to-back Premiership wins over Kilmarnock and Hibernian, Brendan Rodger' side dispatched Hibs again on Sunday.

The weekend victory was in the League Cup, which ensured progression to the quarter-finals, where they will face second-tier Falkirk at home.

Midfielder McGregor says the squad are "in a good place" but stressed that the team must continue to "work hard" while "demanding the very best of each other".

"Everything looks slick, everything looks sharp, everyone looks hungry, fit and strong," he told Celtic TV.

"I thought we were excellent, especially in the first half. The only thing is, can we get more goals and try and kill the game at 2-0 and get three before half-time?

"But I thought the guys responded really well to the goal Hibs got. We came out in the second half and took control of the game again.

"It could have been four or five if we had made more of our opportunities, but overall it was a really good day."

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Ex-Celtic defender Jackie McNamara has hailed the impact Brendan Rodgers has had on his former club's current group of attacking players.

Despite resting Kyogo Furuhashi on Sunday, coupled with Adam Idah starting on the bench, the Premiership champions still looked slick in attack with Daizen Maeda leading the line in the 3-1 League Cup win over Hibernian.

Japan forward Maeda netted twice in the game before winger Nicolas Kuhn capitalised on a goalkeeping error to notch a third goal in three games.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, McNamara says Celtic have made a "professional" and "solid" start to the campaign.

But the former Scotland defender has been particularly impressed with Rodgers' work with the forward players.

"You can see a real development in the players," McNamara says.

"Maeda played up the middle before. A couple of years ago, he kept running away from goal, now he wants to be between the sticks.

"The front three are in there to try and score goals and you can see that development in their game, so I think Brendan will be delighted.

"He's rested Kyogo, but then Maeda has come in, scored two and Idah comes on and plays a little part in the game."

Goalkeeper Josef Bursik's blunder leading to Celtic's third goal in Hibernian's League Cup defeat highlights how much football has changed, says Jackie McNamara.

Click here to listen to more on Monday's episode of the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

Midfielder Daniel Kelly, 18, is set to secure his exit from Celtic, with Millwall paying close to £400,000 plus add-ons for his early release. (Daily Record), external

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says surgery would cure a recurring shoulder problem for Kyogo Furuhashi but would sideline the striker for four months. (Scotsman), external

Read the rest of Monday's Scottish gossip.

Celtic set up a meeting with second-tier Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals by brushing aside Hibernian for the second time in a week.

Daizen Maeda tucked in the opening goal after just three minutes and added a second barely 13 minutes later as the Premiership champions coursed with confidence.

Mykola Kuharevich's superb diving header from Martin Boyle's free-kick got David Gray's side back in the game and shifted the momentum.

But Nicolas Kuhn capitalised on a mistake at the back by Marvin Ekpiteta to ensure Celtic comfortably qualified for the last eight.

Were you at Celtic Park or following the match from home? Either way, we want your views on the game – have your say here, external.

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "I thought we were excellent from the start of the game. We showed our hunger. We said before the game that our playmaker today would be our counter pressing.

"It was there and we were winning so many second balls. Our only real danger was from throw-ins. They've got guys on either side who can throw it in and add a little bit of pressure and make you fret a little bit.

"We dealt well with that, and their header was a great header. We don't have any complaints. We could maybe have shifted our wall back a bit but we'll learn from that.

"But overall the speed and tempo in the game and the quality in the attacking moments was fantastic."

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Celtic will host Championship side Falkirk in their Premier Sports Cup quarter-final tie.

Brendan Rodgers' side reached the last eight by defeating Hibernian 3-1 on Sunday, while John McGlynn's Bairns pulled off a shock against Premiership side Hearts on Saturday, winning 2-0.

The game will take place on the weekend of the 21-22 September.

Read the draw in full here.

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Thomas Duncan, BBC Sport Scotland

Celtic have started the season confidently, which is rather ominous for everyone else. In the opening half hour they threatened to blow Hibs off the park.

A combination of ferocious pressing, quick passing, and incisive forward runs had the home fans purring at Celtic Park.

First the improving Nicolas Kuhn held his width and played in Reo Hatate, who squared for Maeda to score neatly.

Then Kuhn's chipped ball allowed Maeda in behind to prod past Josef Bursik. It was the blueprint for how Brendan Rodgers wants his team to play.

The frustration, though, for the Northern Irishman will be how one lapse allowed Hibs back into the game and there was also some wastefulness in front of goal.

But despite the lack of fresh faces, they look well set to go for another domestic treble. But the lingering question is whether they will strengthen further to make more of a fist of the revamped Champions League.

Brendan Rodgers makes just the one enforced change from last week's win at Easter Road.

Kyogo Furuhashi has lost his fitness battle and misses out altogether, with Daizen Maeda taking his place up top.

Adam Idah could make his long-awaited return after his permanent transfer from Norwich was completed last week.

The Irishman is on the bench.

Celtic XI v Hibs: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, O'Riley, Hatate, Kuhn, Forrest, Maeda.

Substitutes: Sinisalo, Palma, Idah, Yang, Holm, Bernardo, Ralston, Welsh, Turley.

• Follow the action live

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Atalanta have decided to drop their interest in Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, having lost patience after a £23m euro offer was rejected, and instead have agreed a £17m plus £4.3m add-ons deal with Udinese for 22-year-old Serbia international Lazar Samardzic. (Football Italia), external

Juventus will be able to complete their purchase of Teun Koopmeiners from Atalanta for £42.6m plus bonuses after their Serie A rivals agreed a £21.3m price for fellow midfielder Lazar Samardzic from Udinese. (Tuttomercato), external

Venezia sporting director Filippo Antonelli says Celtic-linked Tanner Tessmann has been dropped from the first-team squad because the midfielder's mind is on a transfer after the collapse of moves to Internazionale and Fiorentina. (Il Gazzettino via Alfredo Pedulla), external

Liverpool 22-year-old Owen Beck, previously on loan to Dundee, is back under consideration by Celtic as they look for a left-back, but the Scottish champions would face competition from Leeds United and Middlesbrough. (Sunday Mail), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Brendan Rodgers believes his Celtic side are far better equipped to meet the demands of domestic domination as they prepare to open their Premier Sports Cup campaign at home to Hibs on Sunday,

Rodgers lost his 100% in Scottish cup competitions at the first hurdle in his second spell in Glasgow when Celtic lost at Kilmarnock 12 months ago.

Celtic eventually found their rhythm and took Rodgers' trophy haul to nine out of 10 and have continued where they left off this season with six goals in two league matches against Killie and Hibs.

"We were disappointed last season," manager Rodgers said. "Probably from my first spell, I had this ball and chain wrapped around me in terms of winning trophies and everything else.

"And that probably allowed us to break free from that in an indirect way, even though we'd have loved to have won it.

"But certainly from that point and moving forward, we've progressed and developed. And the team's in a much better place now.

"My compass always is looking at training and seeing how training is. And I look this season at how we've been training, how we've been working, and we've been able to take that on to the games.

"There's no doubt, I've always said it, and we should set that mentality and target of wanting to win every trophy. That starts on Sunday."

Celtic continue to increase their asking price for Matt O'Riley, partly due to Brighton & Hove Albion's willingness to come close to meeting the Scottish champions' demands, and have not responded to Atalanta's latest offer of £23m, with the 23-year-old midfielder now tired of the push and pull. (Gazzetta dello Sport), external

Celtic have identified Lausanne 21-year-old Alvyn Sanches as a candidate to replace Matt O’Riley should the Denmark midfielder be sold, but Anderlecht, Burnley, Club Bruges and Nice are also interested in the £4.3m-rated Switzerland Under-21 international. (Daily Mail), external

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says clubs have shown an interest in Mikey Johnston and thinks the 25-year-old Republic of Ireland winger will want more regular first-team football. (The Herald), external

Celtic, along with Werder Bremen, have made an enquiry about Ajax left-back Owen Wijndal, with the Dutch club willing to listen to offers for the 24-year-old Netherlands international. (Sky Sports), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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