Brendan Rodgers vows to address Celtic burnout fears
Friday 31 March 2017 13:31, UK
Brendan Rodgers says he is focused on preventing his Celtic players suffering burnout this summer with Scotland playing England and a potential Champions League qualifier.
Scotland started with six Hoops players against Slovenia last weekend and Rodgers admits their international schedule will present a challenge.
Gordon Strachan's side face England at Hampden Park on June 10 and Celtic could have a European qualifying game in the second week of July if they clinch the title.
And Rodgers, whose side could win their sixth straight Scottish Premiership on Friday if Aberdeen lose to Dundee, said he needs to "manage" the workload of his players.
"I want to help the players, their careers are short. I want them to play for as long as they possibly can," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"The qualifiers that kick in very early for the Champions League, that's critical for us.
"It's a case of managing the time, rest and recovery.
"Successful players don't get a lot of rest either. If you're playing right the way through to the end of the season then international games.
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"The difference up here is you're into qualification games much sooner."
Celtic face Hearts on Sunday, which is live on Sky Sports, as they aim to wrap up the league title.
Meanwhile, Rodgers has given his backing to the prospect of Scott Brown playing for Scotland against the Three Lions.
The midfielder came out of international retirement to play in World Cup games against England and Slovenia, with victory in the latter keeping their qualification hopes alive.
He was non-committal over the prospect of facing Gareth Southgate's side at Hampden Park because of a potential Champions League tie the following month.
Asked if he would rather Brown did not play in that game, Rodgers said: "No, because I think there's a genuine love for playing for Scotland for him.
"He obviously retired but his loyalty to Gordon and what Gordon has done for him over the years, bringing him here and the relationship that he has, it's totally natural - when he saw Gordon maybe not having a good time earlier on in the campaign - why he wanted to support him.
"It also typifies the guy he is. He has real old-school values and he wanted to help someone that he really respects.
"So if he wants to play in the game, absolutely fine. We'll find a solution for that."
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