Brendan Rodgers admits 'established' Celtic stars needed for next Parkhead step as he sets out his ultimate goal

Brendan Rodgers insists fulfilling European ambition remains his goal after a disappointing midweek saw the club exit continental football before Christmas.

It's been a drab week for the Hoops after a 1-1 draw with Motherwell in the Premiership came before being dumped out the Champions League by Lazio. Attentions now turn to lifting spirts away at St Johnstone as Celtic look to extend their lead at the top of the table to 11 points before Rangers face St Mirren.

Speaking ahead of the trip to McDiarmid Park, Rodgers reaffirmed his desire for additional quality and cutting down his bloated team, and admitted Europe remains the next Hoops step he is keen to take. He said: "The squad will come down in numbers and obviously we need to add quality. There's no dressing it up, for the group, lost real quality players in the summer so that is something over the coming windows we will look to improve on.

"I felt that when I came in the summer with the squad that was already in place from last season that we would probably need four players, quality players, to add to the squad. To continue to grow and improve you also have to have players that are established.

"So I think the next step is the European side and that is why I came back, to hopefully be able to fulfil that in my time here."