WITHERING HEIGHTS
Hoops boss Rodgers not blind to his side’s shortcomings but is confident he’ll fix them
BRENDAN RODGERS admits Celtic have not quite hit the heights at home this season.
But the Hoops boss is hoping supporters can get on board and help his side click into gear.
Celts have lost to Hearts at Parkhead and spilled points against St Johnstone and Motherwell. There were other tight contests against the likes of St Mirren and Ross County – where fans booed onegoal margin wins.
Rodgers has put the struggles down to key men missing and rivals setting out solid stalls – with Kilmarnock expected to put up strong resistance today. But he’s determined to turn the place back into a fortress.
He said: “We lost some games that we’re disappointed in and a lot of that boils down to not taking chances which then creates an anxiety in the stadium.
“You’ve got some young players who are here at the very beginning of their careers – and obviously teams play differently and a fraction deeper.
“We talk about Kyogo’s strength being running in behind but sometimes there’s no space in behind.
“It’s no coincidence in the bigger games when there is space he’s played really well. And in those games where it’s been tighter, if you look at last year the two players who supplied him with the most passes were Jota and Reo Hatate.
“And they’re not here! In the meantime the players are working so hard. We don’t want to lose at home. Your home form is so important.
“Supporters always have that ability to make the difference. And that’s what Celtic supporters are renowned for.”
Hoops defender Anthony Ralston, meanwhile, admits his summer holiday plans are on hold – as he’s determined to make a charge for the Euros. The fullback is out to make the most of his big chance in the Celtic side with rival Alistair Johnston out with a fractured skull.
Ralston is out to fire the Hoops towards silverware – but he’d also love to make a push for Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad.
The 26-year-old said: “I always hold off from booking my summer holidays.
“It’s always unknown how it’s going to turn out at that point so you just hold off and everyone around you can deal with that. It will work itself out.
“The Scotland games are something that of course I want to be part of. Every player wants to be recognised internationally.
“It’s a massive stage. It’s something that’s on my mind to be a part of.
“That’s why it’s always important, both club and internationally, that I’m doing my work every day and I’m taking my chances when I get them.”