Keep or release? What Celtic should do with players whose contracts expire this summer

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Celtic currently have four players on permanent deals that are set to expire at the end of the season.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

With the Scottish Premiership title already virtually in the bag, Brendan Rodgers would surely be forgiven for focusing some of his attention towards his plans for his Celtic side over the summer.

One of the decisions that Rodgers will need to make is which players currently out of contract at the end of the season should be retained by the Hoops. With that in mind, here is HITC Sport’s verdict on the four players (via transfermarkt) currently set to move on if talks do not take place…

Fiacre Kelleher

Fiacre Kelleher is still awaiting the chance to make his Celtic and has spent much of the campaign out on loan at League One side Peterhead. With so much strength in defence, it seems unlikely that the 20-year-old will be able to break into the team and Rodgers may decide that it is in his best interests to seek a new challenge.

Verdict: Release

Kris Commons

Kris Commons’ departure from Parkhead seems inevitable. The forward has not played for the Hoops this season, and without him, they have really not struggled for goals or creativity. His record for Celtic arguably means that he deserves to move on having done more in his final season than just watch from the sidelines.

Verdict: Release

Celtic’s Kolo Toure

Kolo Toure

Kolo Toure’s experience seems to have had a positive impact upon the squad this season. However, with Jozo Simunovic, Erik Sviatchenko and Dedryck Boyata all performing well at centre-back, it makes sense for Rodgers to promote someone like Eoghan O’Connell or target another option. Keeping Toure would certainly not be a mistake, but perhaps he would be more useful in a coaching role.

Verdict: Release

Emilio Izaguirre

Emilio Izaguirre is arguably the Scottish Premiership’s second best left-back, but unfortunately, the very best sits ahead of him at Celtic in Kieran Tierney. If Rodgers can convince the Honduran to stay despite being the understudy then it seems a no-brainer, but the 30-year-old would be forgiven for considering his options as several teams would surely be willing to give him the amount of first-team football he craves.

Verdict: Keep

Celtic’s Emilio Izaguirre