HAYATO INAMURA has been told by Brendan Rodgers he’s not good enough to play in the Champions League.
The Japanese defender joined the Hoops from J1 league club Albirex Niigata in the summer.
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But he’s been left out of Celts’ European squad – and asked to explain the decision, Rodgers said: “Yeah, very easy.
“He’s not quite at the level, as of yet, that I would expect.
“The plan for Ina was to come in and train and see where he was at, with the possibility of going out and loan, because he’s only had a year’s football.
“He came in as a centre-half/left-back, but his defensive qualities aren’t at the level that would see me put him in against Lamine Yamal if I had to.
“So it’s as simple as that and that’s why he’s not involved.”
Inamura performed well in pre-season when he gave a polished 45-minute cameo against Cork City.
Rodgers admitted at the time that the defender “had surprised him” in his first few training sessions and matches.
He added: “He’s played in some really good games, against Cork and Queen‘s Park, but the reality is that’s the level that we play – you get 80 per cent of the ball and you’ve got the ball, but we also make a player that can defend.
“And we’re hoping that over the couple of years, with experience and with maybe a loan, that that can take place.
“But at this very, very moment, that’s why he’s not in the squad. It’s as simple as that.”
Rodgers also refused to rule out a move for free agent Jamie Vardy.
The former England striker has been linked with a shock move to Parkhead.
Celtic are in action against Kairat Almaty, with the first leg of their Champions League play-off against the Kazakhs at Celtic Park on Wednesday.
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