Brendan Rodgers has affirmed that Liel Abada currently holds a more favorable position than Reo Hatate in terms of earning playing time for Celtic.

Both players have been sidelined for substantial durations and only recently made their return to the matchday squad, witnessing Celtic secure victory against Rangers. Amid enthusiastic cheers and applause at Parkhead, Liel Abada entered the action in the 83rd minute, while Reo Hatate remained an unused substitute.

With Celtic’s upcoming match against St Mirren on the horizon, it appears that fans may still witness limited involvement from the duo. Speculation arises whether Maik Nawrocki could potentially feature in the starting lineup.

Rodgers expressed his deliberate approach, stating “I’m not in any rush” to hasten the playing time for the duo, as conveyed in an interview with the club’s official YouTube account. He emphasized that given the upcoming break before the cup clash against Buckie Thistle, there is no urgency to rush their involvement, considering their significance to the team.

Moreover, following recent improvements in form and consecutive victories, Rodgers believes it unnecessary to make alterations to the starting XI at this pivotal stage of the season.

Addressing the potential for increased playing time for Abada and Hatate, Rodgers stated, “We will see what the game takes. At this stage of the season, it’s much about looking at physical condition and what the players can bring. I’m not in any rush with those two because, as I said, it was nice for them to be involved. Liel is slightly ahead of Reo, so that’s why he gets his minutes (against Rangers). We obviously have one more game, then we have a period of time to get them up to speed. But I don’t need to rush them.”

The initial months of Rodgers’ return to the Celtic dugout have evoked varied responses; however, the team currently holds the top position in the table, controlling their fate. Key players who were sidelined due to injury during the first half of the campaign, such as Cameron Carter-Vickers, Hatate, and Abada, are now poised to contribute during the critical months ahead.

Should Celtic sustain their peak form towards the conclusion of the season, it is evident that another title triumph is within reach.