Rodgers says Abada is still happy at the club despite going through a tough time during his home nation’s conflict with Palestine.
Brendan Rodgers has revealed heart-to-heart talks with Israeli star Liel Abada has reassured him that his future is still at Celtic.
And the Hoops gaffer insists the winger IS happy at the club, despite going through a tough time during his country’s conflict with Palestine. Abada returned to the Celtic squad after injury for last week’s Old Firm win over Rangers and came off the bench again in their midweek victory at St Mirren.
Celtic fans’ pro-Palestine stance raised questions about whether Abada could remain in Glasgow, especially after his former Parkhead team-mate and countryman Nir Bitton hit back at supporters on social media. Rodgers admits Abada has endured the most difficult spell of his career and he’s been there to support the 22-year-old. But he’s adamant the Israel international is content at the club and will be a big player for Celtic in the second half of the season as they chase a third consecutive Premiership title.
Rodgers said: “Liel’s in a very good place now. It was a challenging time for him when he was out, with everything happening in his country. It’s been about getting him minutes on the pitch. But he’s another player who will be big for us.
“It’s a situation as a manager where, if you care, you need to communicate with the player. You just try to understand and have empathy with the situation.
“He’s a very young guy so he needs help and support. I’m obviously there for him. You’ll never be the player’s best friend but there are times when you have to show that side which gives them a bit of comfort and confidence to keep going. He’s settled and happy here now.”
Meanwhile, as Rodgers looks to get business done quickly in the January transfer window, he’s told supporters that Liam Scales is on the verge of signing a new long-term deal. The Irish defender has been a revelation for Celtic since Rodgers returned to the club in the summer.
His current deal expires at the end of the current campaign but the Parkhead hierarchy are in talks about extending. And Rodgers expects the deal to get done sooner rather than later.
He said: “I believe the club is in talks with Liam’s agent and he’s really happy because he’s playing. I’m sure that will get sorted out in due course. It’s been an amazing story for him.
“Getting our business done early is something that’s important for us but it’s never straightforward in January trying to get good players in. Sometimes you can be working on something for three or four months then it changes. We know what we want to do over the course of January and the summer and I’m sure we’ll get them in quickly.”
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