Brendan Rodgers has ignited optimism among Celtic supporters with his latest insights into the potential impact of Manchester City loanee Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, predicting the young defender is poised to become a regular starter for the Scottish champions. This significant endorsement comes as the teenage English centre-half edges closer to his highly anticipated temporary move to Parkhead, setting the stage for a crucial season for the promising talent.
Simpson-Pusey, an England Under-18 international, arrives at Celtic with a notable background, having featured six times for Manchester City during the 2024/25 campaign. His appearances included high-profile fixtures against Sporting Lisbon and Feyenoord in the league phase, showcasing his exposure to elite-level football at a young age. This experience, while limited, provides a strong foundation for his development under Rodgers’s guidance.
Despite his impressive pedigree, Rodgers remains pragmatic about Simpson-Pusey’s immediate future, acknowledging the need for a thorough assessment of the 19-year-old’s fitness levels. The Northern Irishman emphasized that time will be required to determine when his new acquisition will be ready to make his competitive debut for Celtic, highlighting a patient approach to integrating the defender into the first team.
Nevertheless, Rodgers expressed strong confidence in Simpson-Pusey’s inherent qualities, believing they are well-suited to the Celtic side’s tactical demands. With an existing roster of talented defenders including Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, and Dane Murray, Rodgers sees Simpson-Pusey as a valuable addition who can complement the squad’s strengths and contribute significantly throughout his loan spell.
Shifting focus, Rodgers also shared his immense excitement about an upcoming reunion with Celtic legend Paul McStay, whom he eagerly anticipates meeting again tomorrow. The iconic figure is set to unfurl the league flag before the opening William Hill Premiership game of the season against St Mirren, an event that holds deep personal significance for the lifelong Celtic fan and manager.
Rodgers articulated his profound admiration for McStay, describing him as an “amazing icon of the club” and lamenting the rarity of his public appearances due to his residence on the other side of the world. He fondly recounted his own childhood memories of growing up watching McStay grace the Parkhead pitch, solidifying the midfielder’s status as a quintessential figure in Celtic’s rich history.
The Celtic manager further revealed the privilege of his first encounter with McStay during his previous tenure at the club. Recalling McStay’s visit to his office, Rodgers expressed how ” brilliant” the interaction was, deeply struck by the humility of a man he considers a true club legend, emphasizing the genuine and down-to-earth nature of the former player.
Rodgers highlighted McStay’s enduring importance, especially his iconic role during what he described as “a tough time for Celtic.” This acknowledgment underscores McStay’s unwavering commitment and performance during challenging periods, solidifying his revered status among the fanbase and within the club’s narrative, a testament to his lasting legacy.
Concluding his reflections on the meeting, Rodgers admitted that his overwhelming desire upon meeting McStay was to “bow at his feet,” a powerful metaphor conveying the depth of his respect and reverence for the club icon. This sentiment reinforces the immense impact McStay has had on generations of Celtic supporters and figures like Rodgers himself.
