Celtic eye next contract extension after Liam Scales as man Brendan Rodgers 'loves' in talks for long term stay

Brendan Rodgers handed Liam Scales a long-term contract extension at Parkhead.

And the Celtic gaffer has revealed he already has his next player in mind in the shape of Greg Taylor after admitting he would 'love' to get the left-back signed up to fresh terms. The Scotland international, who is set to enter the final year of his current contract next season, has been locked in ongoing talks with the champions over an extended stay in Glasgow's east end and it is a move Rodgers would be delighted to get over the line - hot on the heels of ever-present and season surprise package Scales.

Speaking about his first-choice left full-back, he explained: "I would love to keep Greg here. It's something we have spoken on. It's obviously with the club and the agent to try and resolve. But in the meantime Greg's focus is very much on the team. I really like him as a person, he is a good guy and very hungry and committed and professional. He sacrifices a lot in his life to be a footballer and that's the kind of people you want here. So, yeah, hopefully something can be resolved on him."

Meanwhile, Rodgers feels a new four-year deal for Scales is just reward for digging his side 'out of a hole' for much of the campaign. The Republic of Ireland cap was thrust into action amid an injury crisis at the heart of the Celtic defence and after his impressive form, he has never came back out of the team. He looked set for the exit door last summer following a season loan at Aberdeen but he's now an established member of the Hoops' first team with his boss delighted to keep working with him for years to come.

He said: "He has been a real stalwart this season. He has played a lot of games, a lot of minutes. When lots of the players were breaking down earlier in the season he was there for us the whole time. So I'm delighted for him because last summer it was probably in doubt where he was going to play.

"Hopefully this summer he can end a winner and an international football player, having signed a new deal. It's a great reward for his work over the course of the season.

"I am really pleased for him, because he loves being here. He's dug us out of a hole for a lot of this season when we have had a lot of inconsistencies in that position. I'm delighted he feels rewarded for that."