UEFA wildcard Toure set to feature for Celtic in Astana rematch at Parkhead

Toure, the vastly-experienced former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool centre half, was signed by Hoops boss Rodgers on a one year deal at the weekend.

However, the 118-times capped Ivory Coast internationalist is short of fitness and hasn't travelled with the Scottish champions to Kazakhstan for the first leg of the third qualifying round.

READ MORE: Gordon backs stand-in defence to withstand Astana onslaught in Kazakhstan

Rodgers, though, admitted the 35-year-old could be the solution to their problems at the back in the second leg of their double header with Stanimir Stoilov's side.

“I thought it was unfair to ask Kolo to come straight out,” he said. “He has got a good level of fitness, but he needs some more work.

"He will have a good week’s training this week. It’s highly likely he can be involved, because of the injury situation, next week.”

Meanwhile, Rodgers has back both Efe Ambrose and Eoghan O''Connell to do a job for Celtic if they are called on to play in the Astana Arena tonight after Erik Sviatchenko was ruled out by injury.

READ MORE: Gordon backs stand-in defence to withstand Astana onslaught in Kazakhstan

"Both Ambrose and O'Connell have worked very well," he said. "In particular, young Eoghan, I have been really impressed with him over the course of the pre-season.

"He is a good size, first and foremost he wants to defend and in the short period I have worked with him, he is good in the air. He has been in and around the first team for a few years now.

"He was up against tough opponents at the weekend, even though Leicester have only been back a few weeks, they come back already fit and I thought Eoghan coped with that very well, the speed of their team.

"He has a brain for football, he understands the game very well for a young player and importantly he plays the game well.

"For a young player, if they show those qualities and professionalism I never have any fears of putting him in."

Rodgers added: "In terms of Efe, everyone has seen, and people have seen a lot more than I have of him, he knows that if he can cut out mistakes or errors that he makes in games, then you have a very good player because physically he is very strong, very fast, good in the air.

"It's about decision-making and simplifying the game, if he can do that he can be an asset. I have no qualms about who I put into the game. The strength of us will always be the team rather than the individual and the team that we put out will hopefully get the result."