Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has highlighted the three midfield players that can fill the gap left by Reo Hatate.

The Japan international was forced off early on with a hamstring injury in the recent Champions League game against Atletico Madrid, with Paulo Bernardo playing the remaining 85 minutes in his place. It was confirmed today that Celtic's number 41 would be out until after Christmas with a hamstring injury, his second this year.

Indeed, the Portugal U21 international was one of the players Rodgers named as capable of plugging the hole left by Hatate, along with Odin Thiago Holm of Norway and Scotland's David Turnbull.

READ MORE: Celtic's Brendan Rodgers confirms Hatate's fresh injury woes

In his press conference previewing his side's match against St Mirren at Celtic Park, Rodgers named those in contention to take the vacant spot in midfield. He said: "It will be between him (Bernardo) and other players that we have in that position when they get the opportunity. I think with Paulo, he is a fantastic young professional and he has come in from a different country and adapted and settled really well.

"We also have Dave Turnbull and Odin who can come into that position as well. The opportunities are there and will be there for players both in training and in the games and it is just about taking these opportunities."

Celtic play St Mirren on Wednesday night, with the side looking to win for the first time in three games, following draws to Atletico Madrid and Hibernian respectively. 

Read all of the manager's comments in FULL by viewing our Q+A around his press conference this afternoon. You can find the article HERE.