Brendan Rodgers will looks to beat the UEFA Champions League deadline – if Celtic get through tonight’s tie against Lincoln Red Imps.

The Parkhead side are in the midst of a defensive crisis with Jozo Simunovic sidelined for at least another two weeks and Dedryck Boyata still receiving treatment. And with Thursday’s deadline looming, Celtic will look to bring in someone who would then be eligible to play in the next round of the tournament, which currently points to a qualifier against Astana in Kazakhstan.

“Ideally, we would want to try and at least have one more in by the deadline, all being well,” said Rogers.

“I want it now – but it doesn’t always work out that way. Is it realistic? I would hope so. It won’t be the fault of this club if not. The club are looking to do everything they can to support my needs and what I want.”

However, Rodgers has insisted that he will not be rushed as he seeks to bring in the right personnel that he believes have the qualities to take the team forward.

“I don’t want a player, I want the right player who can give us quality,” he said. “I will never stockpile players for the sake of it because we have a good bunch here anyway and are current champions.

“For us to take a step forward, we need to cut numbers and then I need to add a little bit more to it. At clubs like Celtic, it’s not about getting them in, it’s about keeping them out.

“There are enough people wanting to come, wanting the calls we have had. But it’s always about the right availability and affordability and it’s also about timing.”

One possible resolution to the defensive crisis could be to play Swedish full-back Mikael Lustig at centre-half, something that Rodgers has given consideration to.

“If I felt it could benefit the team, then I would play Mika at centre half,” he explained.

“There are players I am finding out can work in different areas. Mika, for me, can play centre half in a lot of games, if required. He has that quality and international experience.

“He can serve the ball, he is aggressive and I’d have no hesitation playing him there if that’s what the team needed.”

Nir Bitton and Stefan Johansen are expected to miss tonight’s game, although Simunovic and Boyata are expected to return imminently.

“He [Jozo] has responded really well,” said Rodgers. “I spoke to him at length on Tuesday and he feels strong and good in his body. He is two weeks away and Boyata will maybe be a little less than that.

“Erik [Sviatchenko] is fine. It was just a punch from the goalkeeper in a clash.”