Jozo Simunovic almost left Celtic to join Torini in the summer transfer window.
Brendan Rodgers has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he is delighted that Jozo Simunovic stayed with Celtic during the summer transfer window.
Simunovic almost left Celtic to join Torino on deadline day, but the deal fell through at the last minute.
The 22-year-old has now forced his way back into Rodgers’ plans at Celtic Park, and he has enjoyed a consistent run in the team.
Rodgers admits that he did not know much about Simunovic before moving to the Glasgow club, but the Northern Irish boss claims that he spotted the centre-back’s talent during the first training session he participated in, after returning from injury.
“I think I said at the time that I was delighted he never went,” Rodgers said. “I hadn’t seen a lot of him. That was the thing,” explained the Celtic manager.
“There was obviously the chance for him to go without being fit, really. Thankfully, it fell through and he stayed. As soon as you saw him back in training, you thought: ‘Once this boy is fit, we have a proper player here.’
“I think you saw the ease with which he went through the game on Sunday. He has got everything really. He is good in the air, quick and serves the ball well.”
Simunovic’s time at Celtic so far has been blighted by injury, but he is currently enjoying his most consistent run of form.
The Croatian has formed a solid partnership with Erik Sviatchenko at the heart of Celtic’s defence.
Simunovic’s good form has reportedly attracted the attentions of clubs south of the border.
Newcastle United and Crystal Palace have both been linked with the Bhoys’ defender, but it seems as if Rodgers is determined to keep Simunovic at Celtic Park now.
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