LIVING' ON THE EDGE

Lions test for Hoops still reeling from Almaty draw

- BY RYAN McDONALD

BRENDAN RODGERS doesn't do walking away. Well, not anymore.

He’s been down that road before - and it’s not one he’s willing to tread again.

At least, not until the end of his three-year contract.

The Celtic boss finds himself in a familiar situation at Parkhead as he bangs his head against a brick wall, pleading for new signings.

Seven fresh faces have come through the door, but only Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren appear first-team ready.

And with less than a fortnight before deadline day, the Hoops still have significant work to do - with a left-back, two wingers and a main striker high on Rodgers’ shopping list.

As for next week's £40million door-die playoff against Kairat Almaty, Rodgers will have to work with what he’s got.

But as fans vent their rage at the board, Rodgers swears his summer frustrations haven't altered his immediate or long-term ambitions.

And he made it clear there's no rift between him and the hierarchy. He said: “No, not at all. I think that I’m still in the same position. I need to, one, earn the right to be here.