Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has hailed Jozo Simunovic as a top class talent and is pleased that his move to Torino in the summer transfer window fell through.

The centre-back flew out to Italy to have a medical with the Serie A side and passed the club's checks. However, the Turin-based outfit were unable to agree a fee with Celtic and Simunovic headed back to Scotland.




He has since impressed Rodgers and started to force his way into the Bhoys team, forming a solid partnership at the back with Erik Sviatchenko, which was again on display in Sunday's League Cup semi-final win over Rangers.

And Rodgers is pleased Simunovic stayed at Celtic.
 


He told a press conference: "He is a top class talent, a class act, who is calm and composed.

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"I was very fortunate to have kept him", Rodgers added.

The Celtic manager also had warm words for Sviatchenko.

"Erik has been outstanding", he explained.

"I've seen great improvements in him as he builds up his technique and tactical ability."

Celtic are next in action on Wednesday when they head to Ross County for a Scottish Premiership fixture.

The Bhoys currently top the league table and boast a four-point lead over Aberdeen with a game in hand.

It remains to be seen whether Rodgers will again play Sviatchenko and Simunovic as his central defensive pairing.