Brendan Rodgers blocking Dorus de Vries’ Celtic summer exit could prove a smart move

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Dorus de Vries had options to leave Celtic this summer but, thanks to Brendan Rodgers, has another year at Parkhead.

Dorus de Vries certainly made the most of his first Celtic outing in over a year. Returning to action for the first time since a 6-1 thrashing of Kilmarnock in September 2016, the Dutchman finally kept his maiden clean-sheet in Celtic colours in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Dundee.

Though De Vries might not have still been a Celtic player if it wasn’t for manager Brendan Rodgers. The goalkeeper told the Evening Times that he had offers to go elsewhere in the summer, only to see those opportunities blocked by The Hoops boss.

And while the 36-year-old might have felt that the autumn days of his career could be spent better than sitting on the Celtic bench behind another veteran shot-stopper, Craig Gordon, his match-winning display against Dundee ensures that Rodgers’ decision looks justified already.

De Vries, who Rodgers worked with during a hugely successful spell at Swansea City, made two superb reflex saves to deny Paul McGowan and Roarie Deacon before ensuring Celtic held on to their 1-0 lead with a crucial late stop from Faissal El Bakhtaoui.

Rodgers famously quipped that he has only been hurt twice in his managerial career after losing players – de Vries at Swansea and then Luis Suarez to Liverpool, the Uruguayan defecting to Barcelona after almost inspiring Rodgers to Premier League title glory (Daily Record).

The season is a long one and, with Celtic hoping to go further in Europe, they need a strong and deep squad to deal with four separate competitions.

Therefore, expect to see more of de Vries in the coming months. And, if his odd appearance is as impressive as that one-man show against Dundee, Rodgers’ decision to rebuff interest from elsewhere will look like a masterstroke.