Rocco Vata handed Celtic transfer hint by Ireland boss unless 'unlikely' Brendan Rodgers compromise is reached

Republic of Ireland U21 boss Jim Crawford has admitted that Rocco Vata may have to leave Celtic to reach his full potential.

Record Sport revealed that the Scottish Premiership champions knocked back significant bids for the Hoops rising star in the summer with the club keen to keep the Republic of Ireland youth cap at Celtic Park. Torino and Club Brugge are among the European clubs who are keen on the talented 18-year-old, with Vata in the final year of his Celtic contract.

The Hoops run the risk of losing him at the end of the season for just training compensation with Vata free to sign a pre-contract in January and if he moves cross-border or overseas, it would be at a much reduced fee. It is understood that the youngster is frustrated by his lack of first-team progress and Crawford admits the youngster may need to make a move away from Celtic Park to kickstart his career.

Vata scored on his first competitive start at U21 level against San Marino, and after the full-time whistle the boss hinted at a potential Parkhead exit unless Brendan Rodgers hands the midfielder more minutes. He said: “Rocco has been playing but the difference is the intensity levels, at this level you'd be different to what he is used to with Celtic B but at least he’s playing every week. That's the main thing.

“I think we saw flashes of how good he is there. He is still eligible to play with the U-19s. To score two goals, I'm excited by him. There is a lot more to come from him. Rocco is ambitious. Reading between the lines I think he wants to get out and play first team football. Is he going to get that at Celtic?

"It’s probably unlikely at this stage but that’s between Rocco, his representatives and the club what's best for him going