Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has firmly said that Israeli winger Liel Abada is not for sale this month.

Amidst rumours linking Abada with a move to English clubs on a six-month loan, Rodgers has reiterated his desire to retain the 22-year-old at Celtic.

Reports suggested interest from several clubs in England for a loan deal for Abada, but Rodgers, addressing these speculations, has clarified his position.

The Celtic boss is looking forward to working with Abada, who brings quality on the right wing. Against Buckie Thistle, we saw just what we have been missing in the team since the September derby win.

Rodgers, as quoted by Football Scotland, talked about Abada’s importance to the team and his personal interest in the player’s development. He acknowledged the challenges Abada faces due to the situation between Palestine and Israel but affirmed his belief in the player’s commitment to Celtic.

“There’s nothing on Liel. I know there has been stories generated for whatever reason around him, probably trying to second guess what has been going on with Liel. It’s very, very simple. Liel was out injured for a long period of time, he has gone back in, and again he is a player I am excited to work with, that I can improve. He’s a player that I spoke to very early on, and he comes to me and we speak, and his focus is very much on being here at Celtic and developing.

“Now, it’s natural with the difficulties that are happening in his homeland, you can’t ignore that. But he’s not someone that we want to sell.

“He’s a real integral part of what we want to do here, and I’ve always said before when the availability of players is there and you have the right types of players, the football will look different.

“You just see with him alone coming back in the difference he then makes to our team. So, I won’t be in a hurry to want to lose that.”

Liel Abada is going to be a big player for Celtic in the second half of the season. If he stays fit, he could still reach some great numbers for the season.