Brendan Rodgers should consider Watford compatriot Craig Cathcart to ease Celtic’s injury woes

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Brendan Rodgers missed out on the chance to manage Craig Cathcart at Watford – but could he bring the defender to Celtic?

Celtic have spent almost the entire season so far attempting to put together a stable central defensive partnership in the injury-enforced absence of key men.

Midfielder Nir Bitton was forced to adapt to a new centre-back role with Dedryck Boyata and Erik Sviatchenko out during the first few weeks of the season. And while Boyata has now returned, his place on the sidelines could be taken by first-choice defender Jozo Simunovic.

The Daily Record claim that the Bosnian has suffered a hamstring tear that could keep him out for six to eight weeks. Celtic’s lack of quality depth at centre-half, then, could be exposed again.

Consequently, Brendan Rodgers has a decision to make other whether the Champions need defensive reinforcements in the January transfer market. And, if they do, one of Rodgers’ compatriots could be available.

The Mirror (October 1^st, page 46) claims that Northern Ireland international Craig Cathcart does not feature in Marco Silva’s long-term plans at Watford. The former Manchester United youngster, who has featured in just 19 minutes of Premier League action this season, could be on his way in January with Fulham interested.

Rodgers nearly crossed paths with Cathcart during his spell at Watford but left the club just three months after the young defender arrived on loan from United in 2009.

However, the 33-time international is a player Rodgers will know well while his reliable performances for The Hornets since their promotion to the Premier League should ensure that Cathcart has little difficulty adapting to the rigours of the Scottish top flight.