Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he has told a “couple of players” they are surplus to requirements.

The 50-year-old says he is keen to cut down the size of the first-team squad and he will be looking to speak with more about their futures over the next few weeks:

“We will be looking to trim the squad. That will be the natural process. I’ve already spoken to a couple of players and I’m sure I will do over the course of pre-season.”

“You have to be honest with players. Even if it’s a tough conversation, it’s the most humane way and the most direct way to tell them the plan.”

“If that’s to move on and get playing football, then that’s what they have to do. Those conversations have already started but it will continue over the next few weeks.”

Celtic currently have 31 first-team players

There is no getting away from the fact that the Hoops need to trim down the size of the squad, and Rodgers is not wasting any time in making it clear who he doesn’t want to stay at the club.

In terms of the two he’s already talked to, the smart money would be on Albian Ajeti and Ismaila Soro, who returned from loan spells at the end of the season.

You would think that the likes of Osaze Urhoghide, Liam Shaw, James McCarthy and, possibly, Stephen Welsh could be heading for the exit door too.

Urhoghide spent last campaign with KV Oostende in Belgium, while Shaw has returned after a year spent with Morecambe, who were relegated from England’s League One.

McCarthy hardly played last season and he will be even further down the pecking order next campaign. Odin Thiago Holm has arrived from Valerenga, while Seongnam midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu could also join.