Brendan Rodgers says Celtic need to sign a replacement if Moussa Dembele leaves.

Dembele, 21, has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace and Brighton this month. Both Premier League clubs are in desperate need of a striker.

And the former Fulham hitman, who was an unused sub in the Hoops’ win over Partick Thistle last night, has been prolific in Scotland.

Celtic boss Rodgers said: “If Moussa goes we need to bring in another one. Simple.

“Players need competition and we need to be competitive.

“I think you have asked about Moussa enough since January.

“If you ask about him you need to ask about Jozo (Simunovic) and the other players.

“I think I have done okay in picking the best team to win since I came here. Try to have a little bit of respect for the team I pick.

“We have only lost one of our last 76 (domestic) games.

“If Moussa is in our squad then great, if he is not we will see by the end of January.

“His behaviour is fine, there is no issue and no dramas.

“We are here to win games and I will pick the team I think is best to do that.”