6 emerging Celtic headlines as in-demand star rips up Conference League and Wanyama embraces Sir Rod in classy moment

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It's been quite the week for Celtic as they bid to tick off one last objective at Rugby Park ahead of the international break.

Brendan Rodgers' men have booked their spot in the Premier Sports Cup Final in a statement 6-0 win over Aberdeen - who sit neck and neck and unbeaten in the league alongside them in top spot - while they also put themselves in a brilliant position to qualify for the Champions League knockout rounds by dumping RB Leipzig - and making everyone across Europe stand up and take notice.

Speaking on Europe, a Celtic striker currently away from the club has also been earing rave reviews and has been netting for his current side on a regular basis. Unsurprisingly, they want to keep him longer but that is a decision for Rodgers and Co to make. But closer to home Victor Wanyama was back at Parkhead during the week and he picked up a brilliant reception from the home support. He made his feeling clear on how it made him feel while he also bumped into super fan Rod Stewart.

Elsewhere, Rodgers has also confirmed the latest fitness news on star duo Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty while he's also discussed rumours over Barcelona wanting Alex Valle back early from his season-long loan and the latest contract situation surrounding key full-back duo Greg Taylor and Alistair Johnston. Here are six emerging Celtic headlines..

Mark Wilson on Alistair Johnston

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, he said: "Judging him against other right-backs, I think he is right up there with the best that I have seen in a long time at Celtic. I like [Mikael] Lustig - who saw me out the door - and I really liked [Josip] Juranovic but I think this guy is better than both of them.

Stephen Bradley on loanee Johnny Kenny and his future at Shamrock

He told RTE: "Look, we have a brilliant relationship with Celtic at all levels. Our feelings are quite clear on that. We have to respect that Celtic are the ones that Jonny are contracted to. They decided it and whatever ever they say goes. But I think everyone recognises that Shamrock Rovers have been good for Jonny and he's been brilliant for us and I'd like to continue that."

Wanyama gushes over Celtic fan reception - and meets Sir Rod!

Victor Wanyama was back at Parkhead for the Champions League win over RB Leipzig and he couldn't hide his joy at his reception.

The midfielder - who earned a move to the English Premier League - was a fans' favourite at Parkhead and remains that to this day. He was part of famous nights under the lights in Glasgow's east end as a player but this time was back as a punter.

As he walked onto the pitch, Parkhead roared in delight in a moment Wanyama himself gushed over. He wrote on Instagram: "Great to be back at Celtic Park. Thank you for a warm welcome what a night."

In a clip posted to his page, it showed the midfielder taking in the applause and appreciation of the fans pitch side before focus then turns to him having a conversation with Hoops-daft rocker Rod Stewart.

Brendan Rodgers on 'generational' RB Leipzig triumph

"To go into a game of that magnitude against that level of opponent. I've heard it talked about as a generational game, which I couldn't argue with that.

"The performance level is something we have been working towards for the last 12 to 16 months. We've been waiting probably as a club and support base for a performance like that for a while.

"Not just to perform. but win and perform to that level and we want to sustain that. We've shown in three of the four games in the Champions League we are actually a good side."

Alistair Johnston contract extension latest and Alex Valle early exit rumours

Brendan Rodgers addressed the media this afternoon and provided updates on both situations.

Record Sport exclusively told you that the club and player are on the brink of an agreement and Rodgers says he is very keen to get it over the line and sure all parties can give it the green light 'very soon'

He said: "We are obviously very keen to do it. Naturally he is playing at a really high level and is such a great member of our team on and off the pitch. Hopefully, and I am pretty sure, the club and his representatives can organise something very soon."

On rumours from Spain over Alex Valle heading back to Barcelona early, Rodgers dismissed them saying: "Not that I am aware of, no and nobody has told me any different. I suppose we are getting to the stage that rumours and gossip and everything kicks in leading into January. But I know Alex has really, really enjoyed his time here both on and off the pitch.

"He's obviously a very important player for us so we wouldn't want to lose him. And I think the experiences he is getting here both in the Champions League and domestic football. I think he's really enjoying his time here."

Greg Taylor contract

Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that the left-back is critical to his operation.

But a time will come when he needs to start preparing for life without the Scotland cap if a new deal can't be agreed. He will be in the final six months of his contract come January and free to discuss a move elsewhere.

“You see his importance to our game the other night. We play Alex (Valle) in the semi-final and he does fantastically well. Tuesday night was a different game. So I can bring then Greg in and you see the level that he played at, how clean he was, how bright he was, how well he defended, how well he attacked. So he's clearly obviously someone I see as a big part of what we're looking to continue here and I hope over the coming months that we can do that.

“There does come a point where both sides, we have to understand what we're thinking, because if it's not going to happen, then OK.. We can then plan and prepare going forward. But I really hope it doesn't get to that because I love working with Greg Taylor.

“He's played, what, about 186 games here. I can't tell you how influential he is off the pitch and how good he's been on the pitch for this club, the consistency and also how we play. Both our full-backs are absolutely critical for us and how we operate, and they have two totally different functions and how they work. Greg is a specialist in what he does for us and you see the flow of the team.

"So, I really hope that we can do something. Plus, I really, really like him. He's such a good guy. He loves being here. He's a big voice in the changing room. Every single day in training, he's so good. He's focused. He's just married. He'll be a father later on in the year as well. So, we want him to really settle down and get everything ready for him. I just want to continue working with him for as long as I possibly can.”

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