Brendan Rodgers insists it feels like a crime being unable to hand out more first-team minutes to some of his Celtic fringe players.

The likes of Luis Palma, Yang, Luke McCowan, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh have all been given a rare start in a friendly match with Sligo Rovers this evening.

Barcelona loanee Alex Valle has also been selected, with Greg Taylor still on the sidelines with injury.

The Northern Irishman explained what tonight's game meant to the Scottish Premiership champions, and what they'd look to take from the exercise.

"It's always special," he told Celtic TV. "To come to Sligo, with the story of Brother Walfrid and everything else that surrounds that. 

"Once we were asked about the game, it was just about the timing and everything like that. 

"It's a real privilege to come over to Ireland, to bring Celtic here.

"There's a few things I mentioned to the players about tonight. 

"Firstly, it's that opportunity for some of the senior players. Sometimes, it feels like a crime to me that I can't play them all! They give me so much every single day.

"This is an opportunity for some game time and to get some minutes into their legs. That's good in terms of improving their football fitness. 

"Secondly, it's an opportunity for younger players because the pathway into the first team at Celtic, it can't be easy - it's a hard path. 

"So, when you get the opportunity to come in an impress you have to take it, and show your personality. 

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"The third thing is that it gives us the opportunity to inspire. 

"I remember, 18th May 1983 when I was 10, I went to watch Finn Harps versus Celtic. 41 years later, I still remember that. 

"I love football, and it was my first ever Celtic game, watching them live. It's stayed with me for the rest of my life. It increased my passion and love for football, but also for Celtic.

"I said to the players that they have an opportunity tonight that in 2065, which is 41 years time, some child that comes here tonight, you will inspire them by the way that you play and behave. Never miss that opportunity and that's what we want out of the game."