Celtic have been handed a Europa League boost after a UEFA rule which hindered clubs in the knockout stages of Europe’s two top club competitions was scrapped.
Previously sides in the latter rounds of the Champions League and Europa League couldn’t field any January signings who had group stage appearances for their previous clubs.
But a decision to bin that cup-tied rule has now come into effect meaning Celtic – and other clubs in the last 32 of the Europa League – are now free to register any player without restriction.
It will also benefit any other Scottish club reaching the knockout stages in years to come.
The Hoops will face La Liga giants Valencia next month for a place in the last 16 with the first leg being played at Parkhead on February 14.
Brendan Rodgers has already added three players to his squad in this window and this afternoon admitted he was not finished his January shopping.
Oliver Burke and Timothy Weah have arrived on loan from West Brom and PSG respectively while Vakoun Issouf Bayo was last night signed from Dunajska Streda.
All three would have been available for the Europa League last 32 ties with Valencia having not played in European competition this season.
But Rodgers can now go about the remainder of his January shopping – with defensive targets a priority – knowing he doesn’t have to worry about targets being cup-tied for Europe.
Timothy Weah has been signed on loan from PSG
(Image: SNS Group)
Explaining his plans for the rest of the window today, Rodgers said: “I think we’ll look to do more business. I think that’s important for us.
“January is an important window, in particular up here in Scotland, but the players have to be available at the same time.
“The club has always worked the same way. That has always been about bringing in young talented players, improving them and then selling them on.
“My job is to make sure we get the best possible players in that market.”
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