Brendan Rodgers admits Celtic exit talk affected Reo Hatate's form as he reveals chats after 'difficult' summer

Brendan Rodgers insists Reo Hatate is ready to roar back to his best after shaking off the head-spinning transfer speculation of the summer.

The Japanese ace is set to return from injury against Dundee with a view to Tuesday’s Champions League opener with Feyenoord in Holland. Rodgers admitted Hatate’s form suffered in the early part of the season after being tipped to join up with former boss Ange Postecoglou at Spurs amid strong interest from fellow Premier League side Brighton.

Celtic managed to hold on to their top asset – but he got crocked after coming off the bench at Aberdeen last month. Hatate is back in business and his boss believes his sights are back on starring for Celts. Rodgers said: “He’ll play before Tuesday. Whether he starts or not depends. It was a challenging summer for him. Having seen him close up I know it was difficult.

“He’s over that now. It’s just a shame he got injured when he did, but his response to get back has been fantastic. I’ve had a good couple of chats with him. He knows the demands and where we are at – he’s a top class player. It’s about managing him back into it. It will settle down. The window is difficult for player but things settle down once it’s closed.”

Rodgers admitted he has to have an eye on Feyenoord in Saturday's Dundee clash – as he already knows his starting XI for Tuesday. The Hoops gaffer wants to blood new recruits Nat Phillips and Paulo Bernardo – although Luis Palma may have to wait having only arrived back yesterday from national duty with Honduras.

He said: “Feyenoord has to be on my mind. It has to be on the team for Tuesday – which I know – and then working out game time for players who I might need to be ready. There’s a lot to consider.”

The champs