Brendan Rodgers' Celtic press conference in full as boss names 3 fringe stars getting 'clean slate' under him

Brendan Rodgers says he's given every Celtic player a clean slate to earn spots in his team - namely Liam Scales, Tomoki Iwata and Alexandro Bernabei.

The returning boss hasn't had his injury troubles to seek in his first pre-season back. He's had to do without Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt, Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston at one stage or another but thankfully has close to a full compliment to choose from ahead of the season starting against Ross County this Saturday.

Rodgers though looks on the bright side and reckons his threadbare defensive options have given him the chance to look at some players who might have otherwise not had a look in. When asked about the defensive injury situation, he said: "Cam has been an outstanding centre-half and with Tony and Ali being out, that's where the injuries have been really in that area of the field.

"But it's given me a chance to see some players like Liam Scales, who I hadn't seen a great deal of. I've had a good chance to see him over the last four to five weeks.

"Tomo (Iwata) as well, playing at right-back. He was brought in as a midfielder but he's played centre-half and has shown he can play at right-back as well. That's what pre-season is about, gaining your fitness and finding opportunities to experiment."

The boss was then asked about Alexandro Bernabei who has laid down a marker for a starting spot with a number of eye-catching pre-season performances - chiefly against Athletic Club where he hit the back of the net. "I've obviously spoken with a lot of the players," he said. "Alexandro is a player I've been able to connect with and find out a little bit more about.

"He's really good going forward but knows he has to work defensively in that aspect of