Rodgers lauds Celtic’s response

– Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers praised his players for a perfect response as the Scottish champions returned to winning ways against Partick Thistle.

The Hoops’ record-breaking 69-match unbeaten domestic run came to a stunning end last Sunday when the Glasgow giants were hammered 4-0 by Hearts.

But the Parkhead club bounced back on Wednesday against bottom team Thistle as goals from Stuart Armstrong (right) and Kieran Tierney helped the Hoops extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to five points.

Victory means they have now gone two calendar years without defeat at Celtic Park and guarantees them top spot at Christmas ahead of Aberdeen, who they host tomorrow.

And Rodgers hailed his players for their positive reaction after a disappointing defeat at Tynecastle.

“I thought tonight the players reacted very, very well. I think it’s a mark of the team and I’ve seen that in my time here,” the Celtic manager said.

“I said to them before the game that you define yourself as a team whenever you have disappointment by what your reaction is to it.

“If you look at the type of performance we put in against Hearts – which wasn’t very good – that can happen in any game you play.

“So for the team to have gone through the period that they did and not have lost up until the weekend, and now two years without losing a home game, takes a remarkable level of concentration, will and desire as a professional player.

“I tip my hat to the players. It’s absolutely brilliant,” he said. – AFP