Brendan Rodgers revealed on Thursday night he has offered support to troubled defender Steven Caulker – but insists it’s premature to talk of a Celtic deal.

The 25-year-old centre-back – who played under Rodgers at Swansea – recently went public on his battles against depression, gambling and drinking. Caulker, capped once by England, even admitted he had considered suicide at his lowest ebb.

With Caulker likely to leave QPR, reports from south of the border claimed Rodgers could offer him a chance to rebuild his career in Glasgow.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has offered support to troubled defender Steven Caulker

While refusing to rule that out down the line, the Parkhead manager insisted his main concern was the well-being of a player whose talent he rates highly.

In a recent interview, Caulker insisted he hadn’t placed a bet since December or touched alcohol since March as he tries to turn his life around.

‘I spoke to him as a former manager,’ said Rodgers, ahead of tonight’s Champions League qualifying first leg against Linfield.

‘The kid messaged me. He has been suffering for the last period of time and he looked to me as someone who looked after him when he was 19. I was only too happy to reach out and help him.

‘We spoke at length about his life and his situation and just where he is at. He is a boy that, if he can get it together and find a peace, then he is an awesome talent.

‘He is 6ft 3ins, quick, strong, he can play. You would take him to war with you. He is unbelievable, both boxes, he is an incredible young footballer but he is suffering.

The Bhoys manager, however, insists talk of a move to Celtic for Caulker is premature

‘Having had experience in trying to help him, I was only too happy to do that. At this stage there is nothing more than that.’

Asked if the recent injury to Dedryck Boyata – out for three months with knee ligament damage – could influence his thinking, Rodgers added: ‘Not at this stage. He is a boy that I have spoken to.

‘It was only recently, the last few days. He is a big, talented player and he is only 25 but, bless him, we’ll see with that. Initially it is a cry for help.’

Rodgers did complete transfer business earlier this week with the £4.5million acquisition of midfielder Olivier Ntcham from Manchester City.

The 21-year-old is the most expensive Celtic signing in a decade, and his new manager is confident he will deliver.

Celtic have confirmed the signing of Olivier Ntcham from Manchester City for a fee of £4.5m

Ntcham hasn’t travelled to Belfast as he is behind in terms of pre-season training but he should feature in Saturday’s friendly against Lyon.

‘For me, it is hopefully a signature that allows us to kick on over the next couple of seasons,’ said Rodgers.

‘I was asked to come here and help Celtic dominate Scottish football and qualify for the Champions League and European football and, for that, you need players.

‘Olivier, I have been looking for this type of player for about a year now. One of the key things I recognised when I came in was that I needed speed and power in the team. We got Moussa [Dembele] in and we got Scott [Sinclair] in and then I felt in midfield, especially at the highest level, it is very important to have a high level of technique with that speed and power.’