Brendan Rodgers has opened up on why summer signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has yet to make his debut for Celtic, despite joining the club nearly three weeks ago.
Speaking after Celtic’s 3-0 win over Livingston at Celtic Park, Rodgers was direct when asked about the young defender’s absence. While full of praise for Simpson-Pusey’s talent, the manager made it clear that the focus for now is on getting him physically ready for the demands of first-team football.
The centre-back, who joined Celtic following a strong season in Man City’s academy, came in without having played any pre-season football. With the squad already in the thick of domestic and European competition, Rodgers is taking a longer-term view on the player’s development.
Rodgers revealed that plan is for Simpson-Pusey to use the coming weeks to settle into the training programme, with the hope that he can push for involvement after the international break in September.
He said: (Celtic FC YouTube), “No, he’s just not in the squad. He’s come in as a talent.
“Really the first part of the season was to get him through until the international break, used to how we’d be working because he’s coming from training with a group of players, he’s played no minutes at all over the pre-season, so he’s not ready.
“But we’re keeping an eye on him and hopefully after the international break, he can make some sort of impact, but that would be up to him.
“But he’s a talent.”
Rodgers’ comments show he’s taking a patient approach with a young player who has plenty of potential but isn’t yet match fit. Instead of throwing him into games too soon, Celtic are giving Simpson-Pusey time to get used to the pace and physical side of first-team football.
The defender arrived from Manchester City, where he captained their U18s and made a few senior appearances. Celtic acted fast to bring him in on loan, seeing him as someone who could develop into a key player over time.
Right now, the priority is building his fitness and helping him settle. If things go to plan, he could be pushing for a place in the squad after the international break, but he’ll need to show in training that he’s ready.
Simpson-Pusey is still one to keep an eye on as the season goes on, and Rodgers has left the door open for him to make an impact later in the campaign.
