Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers succeeded Ronny Deila at Celtic in the summer, and he has made a solid start to life north of the border.

The Bhoys have already reclaimed their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership having won seven of their opening eight games, with Inverness the only side to take a point off Celtic so far this season.

This season also saw the first Old Firm league match since Rangers’ demotion down the Scottish Football League pyramid, and Rodgers’ side did not disappoint by brushing aside their rivals 5-1 at Celtic Park.

They also got the better of Mark Warburton’s side in the Scottish League Cup semi-final at the weekend, with Moussa Dembele’s goal enough for Celtic to reach the final.

However, things have not gone well in Europe for the Scottish champions. They were thrashed 7-0 by Barcelona in their first Champions League match and, despite securing a credible draw against Manchester City, were then disappointingly beaten by Borussia Monchengladbach last time out.

Nevertheless, Rodgers has made a decent start at Celtic Park, and speculation is already building about who he might look to sign in the January transfer window.

Here are TWO players Celtic fans should get excited about in January…

Conor Hourihane

Barnsley midfielder Conor Hourihane joined the Tykes in 2014, and immediately set about getting them promoted back to the Championship.

Although his 14 goals in his first season at Oakwell wasn’t enough to seal promotion, he was hugely influential in last year’s campaign, with his 11 goals helping get Paul Heckingbottom’s team promoted via the play-offs.

He has been a mainstay of the Barnsley midfield ever since signing from Plymouth two years ago, and also appears to have adapted to life in the Championship well, having already netted three times this season.

He is an important player for Barnsley, and it’s hardly surprising that he is attracting interest from other clubs.

Celtic have been linked, and Rodgers could persuade the 25-year-old to join when the window reopens in January.

James McCarthy

Republic of Ireland international James McCarthy was a regular feature in Roberto Martinez’s Everton side last season, but Martinez’s departure in the summer could soon be followed by McCarthy’s.

The 25-year-old has made just two Premier League starts under Ronald Koeman this season, and appears to have fallen behind Gareth Barry, Idrissa Gueye, and Tom Cleverley in the pecking order.

At 25, McCarthy knows that he is reaching the peak of his career, and needs to be playing regularly to reach that peak. He has proven in the past to be a solid midfielder, who is strong in the tackle but also has an eye for a pass, but it’s just not happening at Everton.

As a Celtic fan, the midfielder could be open to a move to Celtic Park should his first team opportunities remain restricted on Merseyside.