Brendan Rodgers has shared his thoughts on Dane Murray’s future at Celtic after the defender signed a new contract with the club.

The new deal, announced before Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup tie against Falkirk at Celtic Park, will keep Murray at the club until the summer of 2028. The 22-year-old featured throughout pre-season and looks set to stay involved with the first team during the campaign.

Speaking ahead of the match, Rodgers said Murray is part of his squad moving forward. Although there was the option for a loan, the Irishman confirmed he chose to keep the defender in Glasgow to help him progress further.

It’s a big moment for Murray, who was previously under contract until 2026. After dealing with injuries in recent years, his fitness and performances this summer have shown Rodgers he’s ready to push for more first-team minutes.

He said: (BBC Sportsound), “Well, he is part of the first team squad — that’s the key for him. He’s obviously had the chance to go out on loan, but I felt I didn’t want him to do that. I sent him out on loan last year.

“He’s a player I think has a huge ceiling, and over the next 12 to 18 months I think he’s really going to show that, perform, and hopefully stay clear of injury. That was the big factor for Dane — he’d obviously had a couple of years out, but he’s maximised that time and got himself strong.

“He’s a big boy, six foot four, he’s quick, passes the ball really well and can defend the box. So it’s just about getting him game time. I trust him, I’ve seen him in pre-season and in the games he’s played, and I think he’ll only get better.”

Rodgers’ comments make it clear that Celtic want to develop Murray within the first team rather than sending him out on loan again. The Irishman clearly trusts him to make an impact now, not just in the future.

He pointed to Murray’s size, speed, passing ability and defensive work, all traits needed in a modern centre-half who suits how Celtic want to play.

The next step for Murray is to back that up with solid performances whenever he gets his chance. That starts tonight, as he’s named in the starting line-up against Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup.

Celtic’s decision to hand him a new deal and give him game time shows the club’s ongoing commitment to bringing through talent from their academy, a path that’s becoming even more important with transfer spending under close watch.