Three players Celtic should sell

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Brendan Rodgers has a number of decisions to make regarding his Celtic squad ahead of the January transfer window.

Celtic are set to benefit from a Champions League windfall after participating in the group stages and could even see that figure grow depending on whether they qualify for the Europa League knockout stages.

The money will give Brendan Rodgers manoeuvrability in the transfer market and he could look to wield such spending power in January, with a new goalkeeper and a centre-back likely to be high on his shopping list.

However, a number of fringe stars will have to make way in order to give the new signings to breath. Here, we take a look at three players that should be offloaded by Rodgers in the new year:

Jonny Hayes

The former Aberdeen star has struggled at Celtic Park since his move from Aberdeen last summer, where he impressed last term with 11 goals and 24 assists. However, Rodgers has not given him the necessary game time this season.

The likes of Patrick Roberts, James Forrest and Scott Sinclair sit above him in the pecking order, and if he is to save his 2018 World Cup hopes with Ireland, he must be sold.

Liam Henderson

It just has not clicked for the 21-year-old playmaker, has it? Showing in glimpses of what he is capable of, especially in loan spells with Rosenborg and Hibernian, Henderson has struggled to surpass the competition at Celtic Park.

Rodgers must move fast to offload the Celtic academy product in January, with his contract set to expire in May. In order to avoid losing the promising Scotland Under-21 international for nothing, selling him in the winter window will see Celtic make a profit.

Erik Sviatchenko

The Denmark international has managed just two appearances all season with a knee injury keeping him on the sidelines. Shaky and unreliable when on the pitch, the 26-year-old has fallen down the pecking order behind Dedrcyk Boyata and Jozo Simunovic, despite being a regular when fit.

With Celtic likely to be after a centre-back in January, Sviatchenko should be sold to raise funds as he would become fourth choice on Parkhead if Rodgers brings in a new defender.