Rodgers on potential Tierney return, Forrest injury & final fallout

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Scottish Premiership game at Dundee United.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Winger James Forrest will be out for six weeks as a result of what Rodgers described as "a real bad blow" in the League Cup final. Alistair Johnston could miss out at Tannadice and there are some "bugs in the camp".

• When asked about a move for ex-Celtic defender Kieran Tierney, who is out of contract at Arsenal in the summer, Rodgers said "we will always be linked with good players and Kieran is one of us, so naturally because of his situation he will be linked with us".

• The manager, who paid tribute to the "passion and unswerving commitment" of Dermot Desmond, said he flew to Dublin to discuss January transfer plans with the Celtic owner.

• On the fallout from the decision not to award Rangers a penalty in the League Cup final, Rodgers said "there will always be issues around VAR - it's still ultimately a human decision". He praised referees chief Willie Collum for trying to be more transparent.

• He saluted the mental strength and consistency of the team for the Hampden win and added: "There is always a narrative after Old Firm games - the most important thing is that you go there and win... I'm only worried about winning. In the pressure moments, this team delivers."

• Rodgers reiterated his hope that Greg Taylor will stay beyond the summer but that some players could leave in January in search of regular football and that "Stephen Welsh may be one of those".

• Rodgers is expecting a stern challenge and is relishing his first trip to Tannadice, saying "I know the history of Dundee United growing up - Jim [Goodwin] has organised his team ever so well and they mix it up so it will be a tough challenge."