Brendan Rodgers’ comments about Celtic’s 2018 transfer plan should concern Cristian Gamboa

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Celtic will be looking for a new right back in 2018, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has told The Telegraph that he is looking to bring in a new right back in 2018 – despite already having three at his disposal.

The Bhoys are looking poised to clinch the Scottish Premiership title, given that Rodgers has still yet to lose a single domestic game since his appointment.

With Celtic dominating Scottish football, the focus now has to be on improving the squad for Champions League games, with Rodgers already casting one eye to next season’s qualifying campaign.

Given that Celtic are likely to be in action in early July, players who have featured at the World Cup could be tired or even still in the competition, with one position a concern for the Bhoys manager.

Right backs Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa will be in action for Sweden and Costa Rica respectively, leading Rodgers to tell The Telegraph that he wants another right back, despite also having youngter Anthony Ralston at his disposal.

“We have to prepare for that in the next window to ensure we’re covered,” said Rodgers. “Gambo and Lustig are both right-sided defensive players, so that’s going to be a key area because we don’t want to be short.”

“We will manage our schedule accordingly. We do have Tony Ralston who is here and so I think we cover, but it is an area we need to consider going through the summer. We have been short in certain areas over the last two summers, so January is a big window for us if we feel we need to do something,” he added.

Whilst Rodgers’ comments are geared towards covering for his absent right backs, Gamboa should be fearful of his long-term role at Celtic Park, if Rodgers does indeed land a new signing there.

The 28-year-old has played just twice for Celtic this season, and was heavily criticised for his poor performance in the recent 3-0 Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich.

With playing time hard to come by and Celtic pursuing another right back, Gamboa may find himself third choice when he returns from the World Cup, and with Ralston coming through the ranks, the time may be right for Celtic to offload Gamboa next summer – with the Bhoys potentially hoping that he impresses at the World Cup.