Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reckons Moussa Dembele’s head has been turned by interest from Brighton, Crystal Palace and Everton
BRENDAN RODGERS reckons Moussa Dembele’s head has been turned by the speculation linking him with a £20 million switch south.
The Celtic boss admitted the French striker has struggled with his focus in the wake of interest from Brighton, Crystal Palace and Everton.
Dembele scored 32 times last term following his move from Fulham, but he has just eight to his name so far this term.
The 21-year-old was an unused substitute as Celtic began the defence of the Scottish Cup with a 5-0 demolition job on Championship strugglers Brechin.
Rodgers said: “There have been a couple of enquiries for him and I think it is clear he has not been quite the same as he’s been for over a year or so.
“My job as the manager and the leader of the team is to ensure his focus is purely on Celtic.
“He’s a good kid, but for a lot of players January is a difficult window.
“There is lot of speculation, lots of things happening.
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“I know that some inquiries have come through to Peter (Lawwell) here but nothing concrete.
“My job is always to protect the club and ensure everyone who plays is totally focused.
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“Moussa is fine. There have been a few enquiries and we will see what happens between now and the end of the month.”
Rodgers remains confident Dembele can rediscover his best form if he is not sold during the transfer window.
He said: “Young players come in here and they do so well.
"He has done great for us but there has always been speculation around him and I think for young players it can be difficult at times.
“This window, it is a difficult window for players. They are unsure, especially in his case.
“But he has no issue, there is no problem.
"I could have played him today but for the team and for the dynamic of everything I wanted to put young Odsonne Edouard in.
“Moussa is training, he is working and nothing happens between now and the end of January then between then and the end of the season we will see that player really focused and fighting and running and working for the team.”
Leigh Griffiths was also missing from the Hoops line-up after picking up an ankle injury, but Rodgers is optimistic he will be fit for Tuesday night’s Premiership clash with Partick.
He said: “Leigh had an ankle injury at the beginning of the week and he hadn’t trained.
“It was just too much to risk him today.
“He joined in a session after the game and hopefully he will come through and be available for Tuesday.”
Rodgers fielded a full strength team as Celtic cruised into the fifth round with an impressive display against the part-timers.
He added: “I thought Brechin came with a good spirit and history tells you these games can be difficult.
“It was a professional performance. We created chances and scored goals at important times.
“I tend to field strong teams. I never try to disrespect any opponent. No games are easy these days.
“It was important to get our rhythm back and get a good result.”
Meanwhile, Darren Dods admits his team never recovered after going two goals down inside ten minutes at Celtic Park.
But, the Brechin boss insists he was still proud of the way his players refused to throw in the towel despite losing 5-0 to the Scottish Cup holders.
He said: “It was the worst possible start. Two down after 10 minutes at a place like Celtic?
“It’s hard enough trying to keep it level let alone be two down so early. Credit to the boys though. They stuck to their task.
“We got our composure back midway through the first half. We managed to contain them and we worked hard. We didn’t crumble and we kept going.
“It was disappointing losing the fifth but a few players can take credit.”
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