Scott Sinclair will be fit for Celtic’s meeting with Rangers on Saturday afternoon after being left out of the 2-0 Boxing Day win over Dundee as a precaution.

The winger sustained an ankle and knee injury in last Saturday’s game against Aberdeen and the decision was made to rest him entirely for the game at Dens Park in order that he is fully fit for this weekend.

“He should be fine,” Rodgers told Celtic TV. “He took a whack on his ankle and his knee against Aberdeen and he got through the game ok but we brought him off with 15 or 20 minutes to go. “There was no need to risk it when we have other players. He was receiving treatment but he will be ok for the weekend.”

Meanwhile, the Celtic manager believes that James Forrest has been inspired by the goal scoring form of Sinclair since his arrival at the club 18 months ago.

Forrest netted his 12th goal of the season and his 50th Celtic goal on Tuesday afternoon.

Rodgers has previously stressed to the winger that he will be judged on his stats in front of goal and he is delighted to see an improvement in that area, with Forrest already surpassing his best ever goal tally for a single season.

“I think it is one where, as we said, when we first came in that he is a good guy and he has got the talent,” said the Celtic manager. “

His game will be judged on his goals and his assists. He is working very hard for the team and he is getting into areas where he can score goals.

“I think probably the likes Scotty [Sinclair] has inspired him, coming in and seeing that as a winger you can get up to 15 and 20 goals. He certainly has the capacity to do that. It was another very good performance from him and a good goal to get us on our way.”

Meanwhile, Moussa Dembele continues to attract interest with speculation persisting about the striker.

Both Celtic and Brighton have rubbished reports that an offer was tabled for the player, however it is understood that there is significant interest in the Frenchman from the club.

Everton and West Ham have also been linked with Dembele.

Similarly, Hoops defender Erik Sviatchenko could be set for pastures new as Copenhagen prepare to renew their interest in him when the window opens.

Sviatchenko has struggled to force his way back into the first-team after an injury at the beginning of the season and it is understood that he could be set for a return to his homeland next month.