CELTIC will do everything they can to keep ‘pivotal’ Callum McGregor at the club should Brendan Rodgers attempt to take the player with him to Leicester City, according to manager Neil Lennon.

The midfielder has been linked with a move to the English Premier League side during the summer transfer window, and Lennon admits that he wouldn’t be shocked to receive a bid for him due to his consistently high level of play.

That ability was showcased as he ran the show in the midweek win over FK Sarajevo, but while Lennon is braced for approaches from potential suitors, he is doing everything in his power to ensure that one of his key men remains happy at Celtic.

“It wouldn’t surprise me [if there were bids] because he’s a top player,” Lennon said. “He really came to prominence under Brendan, but we want him here and we want him to play in the Champions League. “We’re trying to make the right inroads to keep him happy and keep him at a top level.

“He’s just brilliant. He’s just absolutely brilliant. I don’t take his performances for granted. The more he churns them out the more people take him for granted. It’s a hard thing to do what Callum does, week in, week out at such a high level. And then he goes and gets the winner on Wednesday night as well. I think there’s more goals in him this season as well, hopefully.

“I am surprised [there hasn’t been bids already]. I’m very happy that there’s not, because he’d be probably the last one I’d want to leave, along with a couple of others, or even be unsettled at this stage. He’s pivotal to what we want to do going forward.”

Lennon also acknowledges though that the big money from England can be hard for Celtic to resist, as they have so far with Arsenal’s pursuit of Kieran Tierney, but he has vowed to get full value for any of their assets should they eventually leave the club.

“Every player has his price,” he said. “I said the other day that Ronaldo went from Manchester United, the biggest club in the world. You know where we are with Kieran. We don’t want to sell any more top players if we can avoid it.

“The squad is a little bit thin at the minute anyway, a couple of injuries and we would lack a bit of strength in depth.”

Lennon has been delighted meanwhile by the early-season form of Ryan Christie, who has come back into the side after his lengthy injury lay-off and picked up where he left off before the collision with Dom Ball of Aberdeen that ended his campaign in April.

“I think he made a great impact last year and that’s given him a huge shot in the arm,” he said.

“You could see, even so early in these two legs, he’s been outstanding. He has that bit of the maverick about him that he can make things happen in tight areas.

“Obviously, he scored a wonderful goal against Sarajevo. One minute he’s off balance, the next he’s sticking it in, beautifully curling it around the goalkeeper. I’m delighted with him. His fitness levels are incredible.

“His work-rate is fantastic. He gives a lot up for the team. He has energy and enthusiasm and quality, he’s a brilliant kid to work with as are McGregor and Brown it’s a really good threesome at the minute. “For where we are at the minute I can’t ask for any more.”

Tom Rogic has returned to full training as he steps up his own recovery from injury, although he is still a little bit away from involvement with the first-team.

“He’s back out now, he looks great, really looking in good condition so hopefully he won’t be too far away but he’s missed the whole of pre-season so he has a bit of work to do,” said Lennon.