Reading boss Noel Hunt has opened up about the role that Brendan Rodgers played during his playing career in helping him get into coaching, with Hunt becoming Reading manager in December in his first senior managerial role.

The Celtic boss, who was only in charge of Reading for six months before leaving by mutual consent, clearly had a huge impact on Hunt, who has had nothing but praise for the Irishman.

Having suffered a knee injury during Rodgers’ time at the club, Hunt was encouraged by the Irishman to get involved in coaching — something that, 16 years later, Hunt is now using to encourage experienced defender Harlee Dean to do as well

Hunt said: (Reading Chronicle), “I was so lucky that when I was here as a player, I did my knee and Brendan Rodgers got me into coaching in case things didn’t go as well.

“I got involved in the Under-17s and did some of the analysis and it was a really good insight for me.”

With Scott Brown and Kolo Touré two examples of former Rodgers players who went into coaching, the Irishman has become something of a mentor figure for those looking to transition from playing to management.

It will be interesting to see if any of the current Celtic team go into coaching after retirement, with captains always favourites to make the transition.

Callum McGregor would likely make a brilliant coach; however, for the time being, he is fully focused on continuing to add to his Celtic legacy.