Toure has been courted by clubs in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but the opportunity to play under Rodgers and play in the Scottish Premiership in a season that will see the long-awaited renewal of rivalries between Celtic and Rangers may be too temping to ignore.
Advertisement
Rodgers also reserved some words for defender Eoghan O’Connell, whose 22-yard goal equalised an equally impressive effort from Leicester star Riyad Mahrez.
Kasper Schemichel then saved a James Forrest penalty in the shootout.
If he does pass his medical, he is likely to go straight into the Celtic squad for this week’s Champions League qualifier against FC Astana.
However, Rodgers expects the player to have a significant role this term.
“Don’t worry. Football in Leicester will keep going”. He has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, but manager Claudio Ranieri says “it will be better for him to stay with me”. He has big experience, and he can really help the young players in the squad.
“Obviously it’s far to travel and it’s a plastic pitch, so we need to make sure we are ready for that test. We are travelling a couple of days early so we can get there and get a feel for the place”. For sure it’s very important to qualify. I brought him in as a cover player and he never let the team down.
Celtic are on the verge of completing a deal for Kolo Toure to join the club, reports BBC Sport.
“I would be more looking towards the weekend and some game time against Barcelona to assess where he is at, before the following week”.
Celtic captain Scott Brown has welcomed the arrival of Kolo Toure, admitting he will be happy to share some of his leadership responsibilities with the former Arsenal and Liverpool defender.
“For a pre-season game, it was at a good level and good intensity”. The mentality we have tried to create is a winning one. “We will give everything we’ve got”.
Advertisement
Toure said he hoped the deal was tied up before Celtic’s trip to Astana. He is a leader on and off the field so he will bring great experience for us. He looks after himself and is in good condition.
