Jozo Simunovic comments on Celtic future after losing Hoops spot

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Jozo Simunovic has made just one start for Celtic since the end of March, but he seems to suggest that he intends to stay with the Hoops.

In comments reported by the Scotsman, Jozo Simunovic has seemingly confirmed that he plans to remain at Celtic next season despite falling down the pecking order at Parkhead in recent months.

Simunovic has spent much of the campaign as a regular starter in Brendan Rodgers’ side, and was even attracting the attention of Serie A giants Lazio during the January transfer window, with the Sunday Post reporting that the Biancocelesti were considering a £4.5 million move for the centre-back as they prepared to potentially lose Stefan de Vrij.

The 23-year-old would, of course, remain with the Bhoys beyond that window, but the emergence of Kristoffer Ajer coupled with a red card in the most recent Old Firm game at Ibrox has seemingly seen Rodgers put Simunovic closer to the periphery of the squad. The penultimate league game of the season was his only start following the Rangers victory in March, while the only other game-time he received came when he was brought on for the final 14 minutes of the Scottish Cup final.

With Dedryck Boyata’s form hardly capturing the imagination, Simunovic would perhaps be forgiven for having questions regarding his role at Celtic. But the former Croatia youth international seemed to suggest that he has no plans to consider a move from the club during the summer.

“The second half of the season was frustrating but by the end it was okay for me. I’ve been ready to play all the time and it’s just been down to the decision of the manager,” he said, as reported by the Scotsman.

“Of course I wanted to show my best in training but it’s the manager’s decision and the thing is in the end we won the treble. He explained it to me and I’m still very happy here. I cannot tell you what he said to me – that must remain personal. But it was a very good conversation. He speaks with every player so it was nothing strange that he spoke to me.

“It’s a challenge for me to get back in the team. I’m looking forward to next season to working hard and trying to get back in. My contract is here for another three years and I’m ready for that.”

While Simunovic’s form has not always been perfect, the main question mark surrounding his position in the side was often to do with his fitness. But he has arguably provided a major indication this past season that his ability to stay injury-free is no longer an issue that Rodgers needs to worry about.

With that in mind, keeping him beyond this season would undoubtedly be a huge boost for the Hoops. While Boyata had the jersey in the final weeks of this past season, there may well be a number of Celtic fans who relish the prospect of seeing Simunovic develop a partnership with Ajer over the coming years.