According to reports, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has taken his son Anton Rodgers, who played for League One side Swindon Town until the last term, on the Hoops’ pre-season tour. The 24-year-old unfortunately has had a pretty underwhelming campaign so far to put it mildly, and is lucky to train with some of the best players in the Scottish Premiership.
And the fact that he is a free agent currently, without a club, makes his preseason tour all the more important. It’s a pretty lengthy one for the Bhoys as the Invincible side warm up with some friendlies before they take part in the Champions League qualifying matches.
They are currently in Austria where they play against BW Linz and SK Rapid Vienna, before they travel to Czech Republic to play Slavia Prague. It will finally end at Ireland where they are scheduled to face Shamrock Rovers. Celtic, in their second Champions League qualifying round, would be facing either Linfield or La Fiorita.
Despite Celtic looking a complete side following their impeccable displays in the domestic league last term, Rodgers knows well that he needs some significant additions to his squad for next season. And especially with Rangers reinforcing so aggressively making a statement of intent before next season, Celtic would have to make the necessary arrangements.
Anton Rodgers’ involvement is sure to raise eyebrows as to where his future lies now, with Celtic a potential destination. While no one will question Brendan Rodgers’ intent, his son doesn’t quite seem to have the potential to be a Celtic player. The Reading-born player started his career with a big academy like that of Chelsea’s where Rodgers was the assistant coach.
But neither could be break into Reserve League side, nor in the Reserve League South side. He couldn’t even break into Chelsea’s Under-23 side and soon left for fourth-tier English side Exeter City in 2012, where he managed just two league appearances. He made a step up to third-tier side Oldham Athletic the next season got 14 games under his belt for a change, where he managed one assist.
Swindon Town then bought him a year later and although his first season with them was a one to forget, he was quite a regular in the last two. He has played 79 games for them over three seasons, scoring six goals and assisting four times.
However, his displays have apparently been pretty unattractive as he hasn’t managed a single cap for the national side at any level. However, he is only 24, and could still have a bright future if he stays in the Celtic academy.
