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Rodgers says he ‘was actually surprised’ that Everton sold Naismith

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says he “was actually surprised” that Everton sold Steven Naismith, as he believed the Scottish international was a “key player” at Goodison Park.

Naismith initially joined Everton from Rangers on a free transfer in 2012 and went on to make 123 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees until he was sold to Norwich City for close to £10m in 2016.

After contributing 13 goals in 48 games for the Canaries, Naismith left Norwich in January 2018 for a loan spell at Hearts where he remains to this day, scoring and creating 23 goals in 32 games.