Rodgers planning January moves but coy over Tierney

Manager Brendan Rodgers discussed transfer plans for the January window with Celtic owner Dermot Desmond this week - but remained tight-lipped on a return for Kieran Tierney.

The Scotland defender is out of contract at Arsenal this summer and is free to speak to clubs outside England in January.

The 27-year-old came through the academy system at Celtic and was a key part of the side during Rodgers' successful first spell before joining the Gunners for £25m in 2019.

"On Tuesday I flew to Dublin to have a meeting with Dermot, just talking about January. We are always looking forward," Rodgers said.

"We'll always be linked with top players and especially players that are one of us. Kieran was an instrumental part of a really, really successful period when I was here.

"His talents then took him to another challenge but we'll be linked with lots of names and with Kieran naturally because of his situation. But we'll only talk about a player once he's signed."

Rodgers responded to the fallout from last week's League Cup final - when Rangers were denied a penalty which Scottish FA referees chief Willie Collum has said should have been given - by saying VAR will never be perfect as it is still open to human interpretation.

The Ibrox side, who lost the final on penalties after a 3-3 draw, were awarded a free-kick in extra time when Liam Scales was penalised by referee John Beaton for a pull on Vaclav Cerny right on the edge of the Celtic box.

"There will be always be issues around it - it's still ultimately a human decision," added Rodgers, who confirmed winger James Forrest will be out for six weeks and that right-back Alistair Johnston could miss Sunday's game at Dundee United.

"Everyone will make mistakes, and you can see in the incident why they came to the decision.

"Willie is trying to be transparent and that is only good, because there's been talk for years that there's not that. He's trying to be open and honest. And hopefully that's helpful to the staff.

"There is always a narrative after Old Firm games - the most important thing is to go there and win. I'm only worried about winning and in the pressure moments, this team delivers."

Rodgers is hopeful a new deal can be agreed with left-back Greg Taylor but accepted some players could leave in January and that centre-back Stephen Welsh "may be one of those".