Brendan Rodgers has urged Daniel Cummings to be patient where his Celtic future is concerned.

The 18-year-old has burst onto the B team scene this season with some brilliant performances and a remarkable scoring record with the youngsters.

Cummings has lashed in 24 goals from the same number of outings in the Lowland League as well as the UEFA Youth League and has shown he is capable of moving into the first-team.

Rodgers chucked the teen on at Aston Villa for his debut in the Champions League, no less, in what was a special moment for the kid.

Some fans have been wondering why Cummings has not been handed more opportunities at Celts this season so far as Premier League clubs begin to circle.

The forward is out of contract in the summer and has West Ham chasing his signature as well as Portsmouth.

Daniel Cummings made his Celtic debut vs Aston Villa Serie A outfits are also monitoring Cummings and he could leave Parkhead on a free or sign a pre-contract elsewhere from now.

Reports emerged of the Scottish Premiership leaders considering a new deal for their man but Rodgers rejected the notion that they are close with that being done.

MORE CELTIC STORIESAnd the boss pointed towards a former player he worked with at Liverpool in Raheem Sterling as an ideal role model for Cummings to look towards when it comes to being patient for a spot.

"There's no update on (new contract talk)," Rodgers said on Cummings.

"I'd always say for the young players, I think the challenge here now for young players is patience.

"They want to be in the first team at 17, 18.

But that's difficult at a club like this here, unless you're an incredibly special talent.

But it doesn't mean that you can never be.

"I've spent my career and my life developing young players, putting them in the team.

And some have been ready.

Like Raheem Sterling at 17 years of age.

He was ready.

Physically, mentally, ability, everything.

"Then there's been some other players, like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, that need a wee bit more time, and he gets his debut, and then he's ready a bit later.

"It's just about time.

"CalMac is closing in on his 500th appearance for the Hoops and will surely pass that milestone tomorrow vs Motherwell.

But the 31-year-old is another prime example for Cummings to follow and that's because he did not walk straight into the Celtic starting XI as a youth.

McGregor had a loan spell at Notts County in 2013 and came back a better player.

Not that Cummings will be heading on loan, but it goes to show patience does indeed go a long way.

Cummings 2024/5 Celtic stats Cummings overall career stats Matches played: 26 Matches played: 60 Goals scored: 24 Goals scored: 39 Assists: 0 Assists: 1 "What young players need to have here is, is understand that there's a bit of patience needed.

And the captain of the club is a perfect example.

"Young players come through the system, had to take a loan away from here, and then at 21 he plays, and now tomorrow he's playing his 500th game.

"There's no greater example.

But if you want to be patient and trust the club, you'll get there.

"If you don't, you might listen to your agent, who's got a different agenda, that takes you away from here, and then you'll go somewhere else.

But there'll always be chances here for young players.

"One, if they have the ability.

Two, if they have a bit of patience.

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