Smirking Brendan Rodgers reveals Celtic transfer timeline

The Hoops boss spoke to the media ahead of Tuesday's winner-takes-all Champions League showdown in Kazakhstan

Brendan Rodgers painted a wry smile across his face as the Celtic boss hinted the club were close to finalising some transfer business, writes Michael Gannon from Kazakhstan.

It's believed Michel-Ange Balikwisha is due to arrive in Glasgow this week to rubber-stamp a £4.5million switch from Royal Antwerp.

The Belgian winger, 24, bid farewell to fans after Sunday's 2-1 win over Mechelen and has agreed personal terms with the Hoops.

Celts are also locked in talks with Boca Juniors over a loan deal for left-back Marcelo Saracchi - with negotiations ongoing over a future fee.

Asked by Record Sport for a transfer update, Rodgers smirked as he said: "There might be. I think by the time we get back, hopefully we'll be close to one or two things, yeah."

The Parkhead boss also revealed that Adam Idah is winning his fitness battle to face Kairat Almaty.

Irish striker Idah, 24, missed the weekend's 3-0 win over Livingston after picking up a knee knock in training.

But the £9m forward - who has yet to get off the mark this season - travelled with the squad to Kazakhstan.

And Rodgers hinted Idah could be involved either from the start or from the bench in Tuesday's must-win showdown.

He said: "We're pretty much the same as the weekend. Adam has travelled, he wasn't available at the weekend.

"But other than that, pretty much the same. Auston [Trusty] obviously hasn't made it but in the main, the same squad as the weekend."

Japan cap Shin Yamada was given the nod up front against Livi, while sub Johnny Kenny netted late on to seal the three points.

Asked if he has a decision to make over Idah, he said: "Yeah, I think one, just making sure fitness-wise that he's okay.

"But I think availability is what you want as a coach and a manager and that gives you options within the game whether it's to start or change from within."

Rodgers shuffled the pack by making eight changes against Livi - resting big hitters like Kieran Tierney, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate.

And the Hoops boss admitted some top performers have given him something to think about ahead of Tuesday's £40million Champions League showdown.

He said: "I was really pleased with the guys at the weekend who had come in and played. Some of them hadn't played for a little while. I think some of the connections weren't quite there but that's natural.

"We had players coming in for their first game and were new to the system. But in the main, I thought the level of performance was good. I spoke to David after the game and he was actually surprised how good we were considering all the changes. It gives us great options going into the game tomorrow night."

Speaking ahead of the second leg, Kairat boss Rafael Urazbakhtin accused Celtic of underestimating the Kazakh champions after last week's goalless draw at Parkhead.

That's not something Rodgers accepts as he hit back: "No, we always respect every opponent. We know they're going to be a good side and hard to beat. We didn't quite play to our level, especially in the first-half.

"But I think the advantage of two legs is that you get the chance to play against the opponent.

"We know they are really hard to beat, hard to break down and it's really up to us to impose our game and I think having the first leg really helps us because we know the players we're up against and we look forward to that challenge.

"But certainly no, we never disrespect or underestimate any team."

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