CELTIC are still hopeful of fending off interest from Bayern Munich in young defender Liam Morrison and persuading the 16-year-old to sign a professional contract with the club.
Reports yesterday suggested that the Scotland under-17 cap had agreed to join the German giants, but Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy says that the Scottish champions haven't given up on the youngster committing his future to the club.
“I know there’s been a discussion but we’re trying to sign Liam on a professional contract," said Kennedy.
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"There’s a lot f interest from elsewhere but nothing’s happened, nothing has been agreed, we’re still in the mix and we want to keep our players here.
“We need to speak to Liam, his representatives, his parents and see where it goes."
Kennedy was speaking after watching his side play out a dull stalemate in a friendly run-out against French side Stade Rennais, in which Christopher Jullien and Luca Connell made their debuts.
The two men who impressed most on the day though were Lewis Morgan and Leigh Griffiths, who was given a rapturous reception as he made his first appearance at Celtic Park since December.
Kennedy believes that the striker is now in contention for the team that takes on FK Sarajevo in the second leg of the Champions League qualifier on Wednesday night.
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“I’m delighted for him. He's another one when you go into these games that you ask ‘can they show themselves?’ We’re a bit light at that end of the pitch just now with bodies so it’s important for Leigh to keep building.
“Je's done really well in pre-season, he’s trained every minute of every session which was a challenge for him after a period out, but he got through the hardest part and now we’re starting to see more of what he’s all about.
“He’s playing off the shoulder, looking sharp, pressing - he tailed off a bit towards the end but the game will put him in good stead going forward.”
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