Lawrence Shankland to Celtic inquest sparks weary Brendan Rodgers head shake as Hearts star love in halted

Brendan Rodgers has torpedoed any suggestion that Celtic considered making a move for Hearts star Lawrence Shankland in January.

The Scotland cap has netted 27 goals in all competitions this term and is the leading scorer in the Scottish Premiership - but with Shankland in the final 18 months of his Tynecastle contract rumours swirled in January that a move to Rangers or Celtic could be on the cards. In the end Rodgers did get the striker he wanted - with Adam Idah on loan arriving from Norwich City.

But with the Hoops' defence facing a tough task of containing the in-form hitman on Sunday, the rumour mill was cranked back up during his pre-match press conference with the Hearts' skipper being hyped up by Rodgers for his achievements this term. Asked about keeping Shankland quiet on their trip to Gorgie, the Celtic gaffer said: "I really enjoy watching him.

"When I was here the first time he was a player that was on the radar, and I had heard people speak about. Now having come back now and seeing him in the Premiership playing he is a boy that looks super concentrated on the game.

"He has really good technique and uses his body well to protect the ball. He scores all types of goals - left foot, right foot, good in the air. So he is a very, very good player. Like you say, he is one we have to manage well."

Asked if by on the radar Rodgers meant he has "considered putting a bid in", the Celtic boss was quick to shut it down with one word and a shake of the head. He replied bluntly: "No."