24-yr-old wants to quit Celtic by next week after talks with club chiefs

Frustrated Celtic winger Sead Haksabanovic is seeking a move away from the club before the close of the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

The attacker, 24, has not started for the Hoops so far this season and made only a brief cameo against Kilmarnock in the Viaplay Cup last weekend (20 August).

Haksabanovic was one of the Glasgow club’s brightest performers in his 15-minute outing from the bench in the shock defeat to Kilmarnock.

His omission from the side has come as something of a surprise especially with the club losing fellow winger Jota earlier this summer.

The attacker is understood to be unhappy as to why he has been overlooked for selection despite mixed messages from the hierarchy at Celtic that he remains a key part of the club’s plans.

Brendan Rodgers’ side beat off interest from a number of clubs across Europe to land Haksabanovic from Russian side Rubin Kazan last summer and the skilful winger quickly made a positive impact in his early months at Celtic Park.

Haksabanovic was named Scottish Premiership Player of the Month last November after scoring three goals in three league matches in the month ahead of the break in action for the World Cup.

Following the five-week World Cup break the Montenegro international made only four starts in all competitions up until the end of the season after going into the break in the best form he had shown in Scotland.

Haksabanovic’s absence from the Celtic side during the second half of the last season as well as the start of the new season has also surprised many within his international set-up with Montenegro.

The winger’s situation at Celtic is sure to alert a number of clubs across Europe who will be willing to lure away the forward with the offer of regular first-team action.

Brendan Rodgers confirms fringe player will get an opportunity at Celtic

News of Celtic’s defensive injury crisis has spread like wildfire today.

With Brendan Rodgers confirming that Cameron Carter-Vickers and Maik Nawrocki will be out for two months with hamstring injuries, the club find themselves in dire straits.

However, Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that one fringe player is set to benefit and get a chance in the Celtic first team.

The Hoops gaffer was speaking today about the defensive crisis and said that Liam Scales is set to be involved.

Rodgers said [Celtic YouTube], “I really like Liam, I’ve said that before. There’s been a partnership here with the guys, and with Carl leaving and Cameron being injured for a lot of pre-season now means that there’s change there.

“With the numbers down, of course, Liam will play a part.”

Previously on 67 Hail Hail, we discussed how Scales could be set to be called upon when the news broke that Maik Nawrocki was injured and now it seems that the Irishman is set to get his chance.

And I have to say, I am delighted for him. After the season on loan he had at Aberdeen, Scales does look like he can handle the big occasion.

Scales helped The Dons climb the SPFL from being potential relegation candidates to third place and Europe. He also had to cope with the Pittodrie club changing managers during that time so the defender is no stranger to a bit of turmoil.

Scales’ versatility will also be a bonus for Rodgers. The 25-year-old can slot in at both centre-back and full-back and has been known to play in midfield. [Transfermarkt]

Although Scales doesn’t have the same quality as Cameron Carter-Vickers, he does at least offer Rodgers a reliable option at an unpredictable time.