The Celtic man struggled with injury last term.
Celtic winger Gary Mackay-Steven has revealed, as quoted by the Brechin Advertiser, that he is ready to fight for his place at Parkhead after enjoying positive discussions with manager Brendan Rodgers.
Mackay-Steven has been an important part of the Bhoys team under former boss Ronny Deila since moving from Dundee United in January 2015, scoring 10 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions.
However, he struggled with injury last term and his last appearances of the season came in the Scottish Cup semi-final c;ash with arch-rivals Rangers in mid-April.
Whilst he has been on the sidelines, Celtic have seen a change of manager with Rodgers coming in to replace Deila after the Norwegian’s resignation,
That could easily have left Mackay-Steven fearing for his future, but the 25-year-old winger revealed that he has had positive discussions with Rodgers since the Scot’s arrival.
Mackay-Steven said, as quoted by the Brechin Advertiser: “I had a chat with him before they left and it was really positive. He said: ‘Focus on your recovery and I look forward to having you back’.
“The first week you want to impress the new manager and they are out in training and you are stuck in the gym, it’s not great. But I knew that and I’m concentrating on my rehab. I can just focus on impressing the new manager.
“I think every day at a club like Celtic you are playing for that [your future], regardless of how many players are here. That’s the mindset regardless at Celtic.”
Mackay-Steven faces a tough battle to force his way back into the Celtic side, given the depth and quality of the Glasgow club’s midfield options.
The likes of Kris Commons, Tom Rogic, Callum McGregor, Patrick Roberts, and James Forrest can all play in central or wide attacking midfield roles, and Mackay-Steven will be hoping to return to fitness as soon as possible to begin staking a claim to a regular starting berth.
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