Rodgers pleased to have Jozo Simunovic at his disposal at Celtic.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic in action with Rangers’ Jason Holt
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has told the club’s official website that he feels the club are lucky to still have Jozo Simunovic on the club’s books.
The centre-back impressed in the Betfred Cup semi-final at the weekend, helping Celtic to keep a clean sheet against Rangers.
He missed the back end of last season through injury, and he had an option to leave in the summer as Italian side Torino pursued his signature.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic in action
The decision was made by all parties to keep him put, and new manager Rodgers is relieved Simunovic is available to them.
He said: “We were very fortunate (not to lose him to Torino). From a coaching and management perspective, it was great news.
“It was difficult for him at the time but you can see now he’s really settled and he’s working his way back into the team and training and managing the injury that has kept him out for so long.”
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic celebrates scoring their second goal
Simunovic is striking up a solid partnership with Erik Sviatchenko, with veteran defender Kolo Toure relegated to the substitute’s bench.
Rodgers added that he feels Simunovic has ‘outstanding potential’, which clearly indicates he feels the club are only scratching the surface in terms of what he is capable of.
The Croatian is just 22-years-old and it is no surprise that further clubs will be interested in his signature, but for now he is Celtic’s hot property, and there is no rush to let him go.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic in action with Rangers’ Barrie McKay
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