BRENDAN A HIGH
Rodgers calls for Hoops to use win as platform to finish season in style
BRENDAN RODGERS has urged Celtic to kick on from the most satisfying European night of his Parkhead reign.
The Hoops boss was filled with pride after Thursday’s success against Zenit St Petersburg opened the door to a last 16 spot in the Europa League.
Asked if the 1-0 win was the most satisfying European performance of his reign so far, he replied: “Yes, and I said that to the players.
“There have been some outstanding performances in my time here and Thursday was absolutely brilliant because
I have seen growth from when I first came in.
“I have always talked about personality, and to play with the bravery and a good tactical understanding of the game defensively.
“The crowd were also amazing and gave us that edge, but they also stayed very calm when we had the ball.
“There is a real cohesion between the stands and the pitch and that is very, very important.”
Rodgers is excited about Thursday’s return in Russia, but also wary of the challenge posed by St Johnstone tomorrow in the Premiership.
Celtic have players such as Tom Rogic (inset) returning from injury to boost the ranks and the Australian is set for an outing against the Perth team.
Rodgers will make other changes to freshen the side up as he warned: “The players are not robots and they will have games where they are not at their best.
“We had a review after last week’s Partick game, as we always do.
“I wasn’t happy with our concentration in that game. We conceded goals.
“I know people will say we aren’t tested the same in domestic football, but, for me, it is very important our concentration is there for every single game.
“When we are concentrated and when it comes to the big games, we don’t tend to lose too many.
“Thursday is a vital game, but so is Sunday and I have got players who are champing at the bit to play.
“We will be hungry to get the three points and it will be a stuffy game because St Johnstone are organised and make it difficult for you.
“Some of the boys will come in because others played on Thursday and we are now starting to get one or two back to fitness, the likes of Patrick (Roberts) and Tom.
“In a few weeks’ time, that will give us a real strength in depth and quality going forward for the rest of the season.”