Carl Starfelt sees Celtic transfer suitors circle as English and European clubs eye Swedish star

Brendan Rodgers has hailed high-standard Cameron Carter-Vickers as the American’s Celtic partner Carl Starfelt attracts more interest from England and abroad.

The USA international is set to figure in the Premiership opener against Ross County. Carter-Vickers has just 45 minutes of the midweek win over Athletic Bilbao in James Forrest’s Testimonial under his playing belt after a three-month lay-off due to knee surgery. But Rodgers has few concerns having been hugely impressed by the centre-back as he said: “I’ve seen Cameron from afar, seen him play for Celtic a number of times, and was impressed.

“But to see him close up, he’s a very, very good player. He’d been out on the pitch for four to five weeks, not always with us. He’s still a wee bit behind, but he can get the fitness through games as well. He’s a naturally fit boy. He’s been very impressive since coming in. I know his education. I know John McDermott, the technical director at the English FA, very well.

“John was at Tottenham for 15 years, so I know all the boys there that have come through. All the players are well-schooled in the game and on standards.”

Carter-Vickers forged an outstanding partnership with Starfelt during the two-season reign of ex-boss Ange Postecoglou. The Swede has raised his profile in winning five medals at Parkhead, appearing in the Champions League and also winning back his place in the international squad.

Russians Spartak Moscow have been credited with an interest in the defender, but Record Sport understands strong suitors are emerging from south of the border and other European countries.

With almost a month left in the transfer window, interest could turn into a more-concrete proposal with Starfelt being closely eyed. The