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• Brendan Rodgers says meeting the Pope a ‘real privilege’ and ‘life achievement’

  Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has described his meeting with the Pope as a “life achievement”.

  Rodgers was part of a delegation of Celtic coaches, players and directors who were granted a private audience with Pope Francis on Wednesday morning, following their Champions League defeat by Lazio in Rome the previous night.

  Rodgers said: “It was obviously a real privilege for us all to have the invitation to go there.

  “It was a really humbling experience and it felt like a life achievement to meet him. It was so nice, everyone that came out of the room that morning felt really privileged and really honoured.”

  Pope Francis told the Celtic delegation that while winning was always preferred, it was not the most important aspect.

  Quoted on the Vatican website, he added: “More vital is the example you give when winning or losing, both on and off the field. An example that embodies the virtues of courage, perseverance, generosity and respect for the God-given dignity of others.

  “Indeed, Celtic Football Club was founded in 1887 with the specific goal of alleviating poverty in the city of Glasgow. This was truly a charitable undertaking for the sake of the most needy of our brothers and sisters.

  “Yet, how much the world of football has changed since then. In particular, the financial footprint of the ‘beautiful game’ has greatly increased, and at times can risk making football only attractive for reasons of monetary profit.

  “The valued legacy of your club, then, places a heavy responsibility upon your shoulders, reminding you to be good role models, especially for young people.”

• EFL leading scorer Jake Young ‘just wanted opportunity’ after Mark Hughes snub

  Jake Young has outgunned Erling Haaland this season after proving his worth.

  The striker – on loan at Swindon from Bradford – has 16 goals in 20 games and is the top league scorer in England.

  Young is two ahead of the Manchester City goal machine after netting again in Tuesday’s 4-3 win at Accrington.

  Seven goals in his last six games have fired the Robins to within a point of the Sky Bet League Two play-offs, with Young having also smashed in four against Crawley in August.

  It has left the 22-year-old top of the pile and taking the extra attention in his stride.

  “It’s not something I think about on the pitch but when I get off and I’ve scored another one I’ll have a little look. I’m sure Haaland isn’t looking if I’ve scored for Swindon though,” Young told the PA news agency.

  “I normally look at the League Two ones first but since Haaland’s been mentioned I’ve had 10 to 20 people sending me screenshots (of the goal table).

  “I think there was something on Twitter the other day and I had a lot of people sending me that one – but it’s not counting my Champions League goals!

  “It’s nice but for me it’s not a shock. I know I’m capable of this. It’s definitely something I feel like I’ve worked for.

  “Without trying to sound arrogant, I know I can score and play at this level. I’ve just wanted the opportunity to prove it.”

  Young’s time has come after a frustrating and lonely initial spell at Bradford under Mark Hughes.

  The Robins looked at a permanent deal in the summer but he could now be recalled by the Bantams in January.

  It would be a dramatic return after being dumped by former boss Hughes, who was sacked in October, training with the kids, loaned to Barrow and not even joining the first team squad for the summer’s pre-season trip to Spain.

  Having signed a four-year deal after joining from Forest Green in 2022 Young was frozen out despite scoring twice in three league starts.

  “It was mainly one man’s opinion and that’s fine, that’s football. My view was he’s got me there, give me an opportunity to improve. That’s all I was looking for,” said the former Sheffield United youngster, who won League Two with Forest Green under Rob Edwards.

  “I wasn’t looking to play every minute but when I’d been on the pitch I’d shown I could affect games to at least be an option off the bench.

  “I just wanted to learn and improve and I didn’t really think I got the opportunity but football’s about opinions.

  “I was 21 and to be deemed not good enough three months into a four-year deal was tough, especially when it’s somewhere I wanted to be.

  “It something you’ve always wanted to do and when you find yourself not enjoying it anymore that’s the hardest part.

  “It’s something I’ve learned from and I won’t take these spells I’m in now for granted because I know how hard I’ve worked physically and mentally to get here

  “It’s not necessarily about proving people wrong but more proving myself right that I belong at this level and higher. This is the player I know I am.”

• Former Villa boss Steve Bruce says Republic of Ireland job ‘would interest me’

  Steve Bruce feels the Republic of Ireland job “would suit me” as he considers a return to management.

  The Football Association of Ireland made a swift announcement it would not be extending Stephen Kenny’s three-and-a-half-year stay following the end what was a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, winning just two of eight matches.

  The recruitment process for a new head coach has already started, with a review of the coaching staff set to take place once an appointment has been made ahead of friendly matches taking place in March and June 2024.

  Bruce, 62, has been out of the game since leaving West Brom in October 2022.

  The former Newcastle, Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa boss, though, believes the time is right to consider a return.

  Bruce told Ladbrokes: Fanzone: “I’m led to believe I’m there or thereabouts in the betting for the Ireland job. It’s a job that would interest me, that’s for sure.

  “You know, as I’ve said, I’ve had a bit of time out and I’m itching to get back into the game, and something like that would suit me.

  “Let’s see if the phone rings. It’s one of those – are they going to make an approach? At this moment in time, I really don’t know. But I’ve seen the betting sites and read the rumours, like everybody else.

  “At the moment I can’t really comment on it because there’s been no connection.”

  After moving into management following the end of his playing career, former Manchester United defender Bruce also had spells at Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Wigan, Crystal Palace, Birmingham, Sunderland and Hull.

  Having spent time away from the game with his family, Bruce is now “itching to go back in”, and would also consider a consultancy role helping guide a young coach.

  “It’s time that I go back to work again,” he said.

  “I’m itching to go back in, not necessarily as a manager. I wouldn’t mind helping a young manager, helping a club in any way.

  “I’d like to think that after 46 years, if someone asked me a question about football, I’d be able to answer it.

  “I’d like to get back involved in some capacity. If it’s management, great. If it’s not, that’s also fine.

  “Maybe consultancy, something along those lines. That sporting director role rings a nice bell for me. I think that would be a nice gig.

  “I’ve had a break from it, but I’ve missed it. Especially those Saturday afternoons. These days, Saturday afternoon is a difficult time for me.

  “I’ve forced myself to have this break, because I’ve never had one before, so we’ll see what happens now.”